禁

jīn, jìn

林 + 示

Definitions

jìn (verb) to prohibit; to forbid

jīn (verb) to endure

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 示 represents the meaning and 林 represents the sound.

Semantic: 示 Phonetic: 林

About

禁 is a phono-semantic compound: the upper component 林 (lín) indicates the sound, and the lower component 示 (shì) relates to spirits, altars, and rituals. The character's original meaning was the setting up of barriers or restricted areas around sacred altars to prevent ordinary people from entering. From this religious context, it broadened into a general verb meaning to prohibit or forbid, and a noun for bans, confinement, or restricted areas like imperial palace grounds.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这里禁止停车。

Zhèlǐ jìnzhǐ tíngchē.

Parking is prohibited here.

学校禁止学生带手机。

Xuéxiào jìnzhǐ xuéshēng dài shǒujī.

The school prohibits students from bringing mobile phones.

这个区域是禁区。

Zhège qūyù shì jìnqū.

This area is a restricted zone.

他有食物禁忌。

Tā yǒu shíwù jìnjì.

He has food taboos.

法律严禁毒品交易。

Fǎlǜ yánjìn dúpǐn jiāoyì.

The law strictly prohibits drug trafficking.

这种行为被视为禁忌。

Zhè zhǒng xíngwéi bèi shì wéi jìnjì.

This kind of behavior is considered taboo.

政府颁布了禁酒令。

Zhèngfǔ bānbù le jìnjiǔ lìng.

The government issued a prohibition on alcohol.

在敏感时期，网络言论受到严格禁锢。

Zài mǐngǎn shíqī, wǎngluò yánlùn shòudào yángé jìngù.

During sensitive periods, online speech is strictly controlled.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 林

Component: 示

禁