`制度` is a cornerstone of Chinese social and political thought, reflecting a deep-seated value for order, stability, and predictability. Historically, from imperial dynasties to the modern state, the establishment of clear and comprehensive systems has been seen as the foundation of a prosperous and harmonious society. In the West, “the system” can sometimes carry a negative connotation, as in “fighting the system” or “the system is rigged.” While Chinese people certainly complain about inefficient or unfair systems, the concept of `制度` itself is often viewed more neutrally or even positively. It is seen as a necessary tool for organization and governance. The prevailing attitude is often not to dismantle the system, but to 完善制度 (wánshàn zhìdù)—to perfect or improve the system. This is evident in official state discourse, where building and strengthening various “systems with Chinese characteristics” (e.g., 中国特色社会主义制度) is a primary national goal. This highlights a cultural belief that a well-designed framework is the key to collective success.
`制度` is a formal and widely used term in various aspects of modern Chinese life.
The connotation is generally neutral and objective, simply describing a structure. It becomes positive or negative based on the context, e.g., “a fair system” (公平的制度) vs. “an unreasonable system” (不合理的制度).