节欲

節欲

jiéyù

verb #26,692

Meanings

1 to practice abstinence
2 to restrain one's desires
3 to exercise self-control over appetites

Characters

to restrain; festival; section; moderation

desire; appetite; wish

Examples

他决定节欲，以保持身心健康。

Tā juédìng jiéyù, yǐ bǎochí shēnxīn jiànkāng.

He decided to practice abstinence to maintain his physical and mental health.

古代的修行者以节欲为修炼的方式。

Gǔdài de xiūxíngzhě yǐ jiéyù wéi xiūliàn de fāngshì.

Ancient ascetics used abstinence as a form of spiritual practice.

Tips

usage

节欲 literally means 'to regulate/moderate desires'. It is broader than just sexual abstinence — it can apply to restraining any bodily desire including food, drink, or sensory pleasures. In religious and philosophical contexts it carries Confucian or Buddhist overtones.

register

More formal and literary than 忍欲 (rěnyù) or 克制欲望 (kèzhì yùwàng). Often found in classical texts, health discussions, or religious contexts.

Stroke Order

节 jié

欲 yù