节制 jiézhì to control
to control; to restrict; to moderate; to temper; moderation; sobriety; to administer
How to remember 节制: 节 section + 制 system = to control.
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How it is used
- To exercise restraint / moderation: 饮食要节制 (yǐnshí yào jiézhì) eat in moderation, 节制欲望 (jiézhì yùwàng) to curb desires.
- About holding oneself back from excess (food, drink, spending, emotion); a self-discipline word.
- Formal register; distinct from 控制 (kòngzhì, to control): 节制 stresses moderation, not full control.