Combining them, 戒酒 (jièjiǔ) literally translates to “guard against alcohol” or “vow to stop alcohol,” creating the clear meaning of quitting drinking.
In China, the decision to 戒酒 carries significant social weight due to the pervasive “drinking table culture” (酒桌文化 - jiǔzhuō wénhuà). Alcohol, particularly baijiu (白酒), is often central to business negotiations, social gatherings, and relationship-building (关系 - guānxi). Toasts are a structured way of showing respect, and one's drinking capacity (酒量 - jiǔliàng) can be seen as a measure of sincerity or manliness. Therefore, announcing you are 戒酒 is not just a personal choice; it can be interpreted as a withdrawal from these important social rituals. While in Western cultures saying “I don't drink” is a common and easily accepted statement, in China it can sometimes require a more serious justification to avoid causing offense, especially in a business setting. The most accepted reasons are health-related, such as a doctor's explicit orders (医生说我必须戒酒 - The doctor said I must quit drinking). The decision is often seen as an act of great self-discipline and commitment to health or family, reflecting the value of well-being and responsibility.
戒酒 is a common term used in various contexts, from casual conversation to serious medical discussions.
The term is neutral in connotation but the act itself is generally viewed positively as a sign of self-control and responsibility. It is used in both formal and informal settings.