yánjìn: 严禁 - Strictly Prohibit, Forbid

• Keywords: yanjin, 严禁, strictly prohibit, forbid Chinese, what does yanjin mean, Chinese warning signs, prohibited in Chinese, Chinese rules and regulations, formal Chinese command
• Summary: Learn the powerful Chinese term 严禁 (yánjìn), which means “strictly prohibit” or “to forbid.” This formal command is commonly found on official signs, in legal documents, and within company regulations across China. Understanding `yánjìn` is crucial for navigating public spaces and recognizing non-negotiable rules where violations have serious consequences. This guide breaks down its meaning, cultural context, and practical usage with clear examples.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yánjìn
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To strictly prohibit or forbid an action with official authority.
• In a Nutshell: `严禁 (yánjìn)` is not a polite request like “please don't.” It is a strong, official, and non-negotiable command. When you see this word on a sign or in a document, it means the rule is absolute and enforced by an authority (like the government, police, or property management). Breaking a rule marked with `严禁` will almost certainly lead to a penalty, such as a fine or expulsion.

• 严 (yán): This character means “strict,” “stern,” or “severe.” You might hear it used to describe a strict teacher (老师很严 - lǎoshī hěn yán). It implies a high standard and a serious attitude.
• 禁 (jìn): This character means “to forbid,” “to prohibit,” or “to ban.” It's the core of the prohibition itself.

When combined, 严 (strict) + 禁 (forbid) create an intensified meaning: to strictly forbid. The two characters reinforce each other to convey a sense of absolute, unyielding prohibition.

`严禁 (yánjìn)` offers a window into the importance of public order and respect for authority in Chinese society. Its widespread use on public notices reflects a top-down approach to maintaining safety and social harmony. The goal is to eliminate ambiguity and ensure everyone understands the rules clearly. A useful comparison is with Western signs. A sign in English might say “No Parking” or “Please Keep Off Grass.” While these are clear, they can sometimes feel like strong suggestions. `严禁停车 (yánjìn tíngchē)` feels less like a suggestion and more like an order backed by the full force of the law or management. The cultural nuance is the emphasis on direct, authoritative communication for the sake of collective order over softer, more individual-focused politeness. This directness is not considered rude in this context; rather, it is seen as clear and effective for ensuring safety and order for the entire group.

You will almost exclusively encounter `严禁` in formal, written contexts. It is not a word used in everyday, casual conversation.

• Public Signage: This is the most common place to see `严禁`. It's used at airports, subway stations, museums, parks, historical sites, and construction zones.
• Rules and Regulations: It is standard language in legal documents, company policy manuals, student handbooks, and exam instructions.
• Formality: `严禁` is highly formal. Using it in a casual situation (e.g., telling a friend not to eat your food) would sound bizarre and overly dramatic.
• Connotation: The connotation is serious, stern, and authoritative. It is neutral in that it is simply stating a rule, but the feeling it evokes is one of severity and seriousness.

• Example 1:
  • 公共场所严禁吸烟。
  • Pinyin: Gōnggòng chǎngsuǒ yánjìn xīyān.
  • English: Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places.
  • Analysis: This is one of the most common examples you will see on signs throughout China. It's a clear, non-negotiable rule.
• Example 2:
  • 博物馆内严禁使用闪光灯拍照。
  • Pinyin: Bówùguǎn nèi yánjìn shǐyòng shǎnguāngdēng pāizhào.
  • English: Using flash photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum.
  • Analysis: This rule is in place to protect the artifacts. The use of `严禁` emphasizes the seriousness and potential for damage.
• Example 3:
  • 此处严禁停车，违者拖走。
  • Pinyin: Cǐ chù yánjìn tíngchē, wéizhě tuōzǒu.
  • English: Parking is strictly prohibited here. Violators will be towed.
  • Analysis: This example clearly states the consequence (`违者拖走` - violators will be towed), which often accompanies a `严禁` notice.
• Example 4:
  • 为了您的安全，严禁翻越栏杆。
  • Pinyin: Wèile nín de ānquán, yánjìn fānyuè lángān.
  • English: For your safety, climbing over the railing is strictly prohibited.
  • Analysis: Here, the reason for the strict prohibition is given (“for your safety”), linking the command to a protective measure.
• Example 5:
  • 考试期间严禁作弊和交头接耳。
  • Pinyin: Kǎoshì qījiān yánjìn zuòbì hé jiāotóujiē'ěr.
  • English: Cheating and whispering are strictly prohibited during the exam.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the use of `严禁` in an academic context to ensure fairness and integrity.
• Example 6:
  • 未经许可，严禁入内。
  • Pinyin: Wèijīng xǔkě, yánjìn rùnèi.
  • English: Entry is strictly prohibited without permission.
  • Analysis: A classic sign for restricted areas, private property, or secure facilities.
• Example 7:
  • 严禁酒后驾车。
  • Pinyin: Yánjìn jiǔhòu jiàchē.
  • English: Drunk driving is strictly forbidden.
  • Analysis: This is a legal prohibition. The use of `严禁` reflects its status as a serious crime with severe penalties.
• Example 8:
  • 公司内部严禁泄露商业机密。
  • Pinyin: Gōngsī nèibù yánjìn xièlù shāngyè jīmì.
  • English: Leaking trade secrets is strictly prohibited within the company.
  • Analysis: This shows `严禁` being used in a corporate policy to protect sensitive information.
• Example 9:
  • 施工现场，严禁非工作人员进入。
  • Pinyin: Shīgōng xiànchǎng, yánjìn fēi gōngzuò rényuán jìnrù.
  • English: Non-staff are strictly forbidden from entering the construction site.
  • Analysis: This is a common safety warning sign at construction sites or other hazardous areas.
• Example 10:
  • 严禁在森林防火区内使用明火。
  • Pinyin: Yánjìn zài sēnlín fánghuǒ qū nèi shǐyòng mínghuǒ.
  • English: The use of open flames is strictly prohibited within the forest fire prevention zone.
  • Analysis: This highlights a rule with major public safety and environmental implications.

• `严禁` vs. `禁止 (jìnzhǐ)`:
  • `禁止 (jìnzhǐ)` also means “to prohibit,” and it is the standard, formal term. `严禁 (yánjìn)` is a step stronger, adding the emphasis of “strictly” or “severely.” Think of `禁止` as “prohibited” and `严禁` as “Strictly Prohibited.” While often interchangeable on signs, `严禁` carries more weight.
• `严禁` vs. Casual Prohibitions like `不准 (bù zhǔn)` or `别 (bié)`:
  • A common mistake for learners is using `严禁` in casual, everyday situations. This is incorrect and sounds very unnatural.
  • `不准 (bù zhǔn)` means “not allowed.” It's a direct command, often used by someone in a position of personal authority, like a parent to a child (“不准看电视!” - “No TV allowed!”).
  • `别 (bié)` or `不要 (bú yào)` means “don't.” It is the most common and casual way to tell someone not to do something (“别担心” - “Don't worry”).
• Incorrect Usage Example:
  • Wrong: (To a friend) “严禁吃我的苹果！” (Yánjìn chī wǒ de píngguǒ!)
  • Why it's wrong: This is far too formal and dramatic for a conversation between friends. It sounds like you are issuing a legal decree over an apple.
  • Correct: “别吃我的苹果！” (Bié chī wǒ de píngguǒ!) or “不准吃我的苹果！” (Bù zhǔn chī wǒ de píngguǒ!)

• 禁止 (jìnzhǐ) - The standard term for “to prohibit.” `严禁` is the more intense version of `禁止`.
• 不准 (bù zhǔn) - “Not allowed.” Less formal than `禁止`, used in direct commands by figures of personal authority (parents, teachers).
• 不得 (bùdé) - “Must not” or “may not.” A very formal term used in written rules, similar in function to `禁止`.
• 警告 (jǐnggào) - A “warning.” This word often appears on the same sign as `严禁` to communicate danger.
• 违者 (wéizhě) - “Violators” or “offenders.” This word is frequently used to state the consequences for ignoring a `严禁` rule. (e.g., `违者罚款` - Violators will be fined).
• 规定 (guīdìng) - “Regulation,” “rule,” or “stipulation.” `严禁` is used to enforce a `规定`.
• 罚款 (fákuǎn) - “A fine” or “to fine (someone).” A very common consequence for violating a `严禁` order.
• 后果自负 (hòuguǒ zìfù) - “Bear the consequences yourself.” A phrase sometimes added after a `严禁` warning to emphasize personal responsibility for any negative outcomes of violating the rule.