kòngzhì: 控制 - Control, To Govern, To Command

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• Summary: Learn the full meaning of 控制 (kòngzhì), the essential Chinese word for “control.” This comprehensive guide explores its use in various contexts, from personal self-control (自我控制) and technical operations to social governance and relationships. Discover its deep cultural significance, see practical examples, and understand how to use 控制 correctly to avoid common mistakes. Master the key difference between 控制 (kòngzhì) and 管理 (guǎnlǐ) and enhance your fluency in modern Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): kòngzhì
• Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To control, govern, command, or regulate.
• In a Nutshell: 控制 (kòngzhì) is a powerful and direct word for exerting influence or power over something or someone. It can range from the neutral act of operating a machine, to the positive virtue of self-discipline, to the negative act of being overly domineering. It implies a direct, often immediate, form of command and regulation.

• 控 (kòng): This character is composed of the hand radical `扌(shǒu)` on the left and `空 (kōng)` on the right. The hand radical `扌` signifies an action done with the hands. `空` acts as the phonetic component. Together, `控` suggests “to take charge of” or “to handle.”
• 制 (zhì): This character means “to make,” “to regulate,” or “system.” It often involves creating order or imposing rules. It originally depicted a knife (`刀 dāo`) cutting cloth, implying creating something according to a specific pattern or rule.
• When combined, 控制 (kòngzhì) literally means “to handle and regulate,” which perfectly captures the modern meaning of “to control.”

In Chinese culture, the concept of 控制 (kòngzhì) carries a more nuanced meaning than its English counterpart. While “control” in Western cultures often has a strong negative connotation (e.g., being a “control freak,” government overreach), 控制 can be viewed positively or neutrally depending on the context. A core value in Chinese society, influenced by Confucianism, is social harmony and stability (稳定 wěndìng). From this perspective, a certain level of control is not only necessary but virtuous. For example:

• 自我控制 (zìwǒ kòngzhì - self-control): Controlling one's emotions and impulses is highly valued as a sign of maturity and wisdom.
• Parental/Governmental Control: A degree of control by authorities (parents, teachers, the government) is often seen as a form of responsibility—a way to guide, protect, and ensure order for the collective good. This contrasts with the strong Western emphasis on individual autonomy and freedom from external control.

Of course, 控制 can also be negative. A person with an excessively strong desire to control others is described as `控制欲很强 (kòngzhì yù hěn qiáng)`, or “having a strong desire to control,” which is just as undesirable as in the West. The term is also used critically to describe censorship or authoritarianism. The key is the context and the degree of control being applied.

This is one of the most common and positive uses of the word. It's about personal discipline.

• e.g., `控制情绪 (kòngzhì qíngxù)` - to control one's emotions.
• e.g., `控制饮食 (kòngzhì yǐnshí)` - to control one's diet.

In a technical or business setting, 控制 is neutral and means “to operate,” “to regulate,” or “to keep within limits.”

• e.g., `控制成本 (kòngzhì chéngběn)` - to control costs.
• e.g., `控制机器 (kòngzhì jīqì)` - to control a machine.
• e.g., `遥控器 (yáokòngqì)` - remote control.

Here, the connotation can be neutral or negative. It can mean bringing a chaotic situation into order, or it can mean being domineering in a relationship.

• e.g., `警方控制了局面 (jǐngfāng kòngzhìle júmiàn)` - The police brought the situation under control. (Neutral/Positive)
• e.g., `他总是想控制我 (tā zǒngshì xiǎng kòngzhì wǒ)` - He always wants to control me. (Negative)

• Example 1:
  • 学会控制自己的情绪很重要。
  • Pinyin: Xuéhuì kòngzhì zìjǐ de qíngxù hěn zhòngyào.
  • English: Learning to control your own emotions is very important.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the positive virtue of self-control (`自我控制`), a valued trait in Chinese culture.
• Example 2:
  • 消防员终于控制了火势。
  • Pinyin: Xiāofáng yuán zhōngyú kòngzhìle huǒshì.
  • English: The firefighters finally brought the fire under control.
  • Analysis: Here, 控制 means to contain or gain command over a chaotic, physical force. It is neutral and outcome-focused.
• Example 3:
  • 我们必须严格控制预算。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū yángé kòngzhì yùsuàn.
  • English: We must strictly control the budget.
  • Analysis: A common, neutral usage in a business or project management context. It means to keep something within set limits.
• Example 4:
  • 他的女朋友控制欲太强了。
  • Pinyin: Tā de nǚpéngyǒu kòngzhì yù tài qiángle.
  • English: His girlfriend is too controlling.
  • Analysis: This shows the negative side of the word. `控制欲 (kòngzhì yù)` means “desire to control” and is almost always negative.
• Example 5:
  • 疫情已经得到了有效控制。
  • Pinyin: Yìqíng yǐjīng dédàole yǒuxiào kòngzhì.
  • English: The epidemic has been effectively brought under control.
  • Analysis: A common phrase in news and official announcements. 控制 is used here as a noun. `得到控制` means “to be brought under control.”
• Example 6:
  • 这个系统由中央计算机控制。
  • Pinyin: Zhège xìtǒng yóu zhōngyāng jìsuànjī kòngzhì.
  • English: This system is controlled by a central computer.
  • Analysis: A standard, neutral technical usage, indicating operation or command within a system.
• Example 7:
  • 当他听到这个消息时，他完全失去了控制。
  • Pinyin: Dāng tā tīng dào zhège xiāoxī shí, tā wánquán shīqùle kòngzhì.
  • English: When he heard the news, he completely lost control.
  • Analysis: `失去控制 (shīqù kòngzhì)` is a set phrase for “to lose control,” often emotionally or of a vehicle/situation.
• Example 8:
  • 请用这个按钮来控制电梯。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng yòng zhège ànniǔ lái kòngzhì diàntī.
  • English: Please use this button to control the elevator.
  • Analysis: A simple, instructional use of the word, meaning “to operate.”
• Example 9:
  • 政府试图控制房价的上涨。
  • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ shìtú kòngzhì fángjià de shàngzhǎng.
  • English: The government is trying to control the rise in housing prices.
  • Analysis: This refers to regulation and intervention in the economy or society.
• Example 10:
  • 有些事情是我们无法控制的。
  • Pinyin: Yǒuxiē shìqíng shì wǒmen wúfǎ kòngzhì de.
  • English: There are some things that we cannot control.
  • Analysis: A philosophical or practical statement about the limits of one's power. `无法控制 (wúfǎ kòngzhì)` is a common way to say “cannot control.”

A frequent point of confusion for learners is the difference between 控制 (kòngzhì) and 管理 (guǎnlǐ).

• 控制 (kòngzhì) - To Control: Implies direct command, immediate action, and regulation. It focuses on making something or someone obey or stay within limits. Think of it as holding the steering wheel.
  • Correct: `控制汽车 (kòngzhì qìchē)` - To control/drive a car.
  • Correct: `控制脾气 (kòngzhì píqì)` - To control one's temper.
  • Incorrect: `控制一个公司 (kòngzhì yīgè gōngsī)` - While a CEO might “control” a company in English, in Chinese it sounds too authoritarian. The better word is `管理 (guǎnlǐ)`.
• 管理 (guǎnlǐ) - To Manage: Implies a broader, longer-term process of organizing, planning, and leading. It's about stewardship and administration. Think of it as planning the entire road trip.
  • Correct: `管理一个团队 (guǎnlǐ yīgè tuánduì)` - To manage a team.
  • Correct: `管理时间 (guǎnlǐ shíjiān)` - To manage time.
  • Incorrect: `管理火势 (guǎnlǐ huǒshì)` - You don't “manage” a fire; you directly “control” it. The correct word is `控制 (kòngzhì)`.

In short: You 控制 a machine or an emergency; you 管理 a project or a department.

• 管理 (guǎnlǐ) - To manage; a broader, more administrative form of control.
• 掌握 (zhǎngwò) - To grasp, to master. Implies control through deep understanding and skill, not just force.
• 操纵 (cāozòng) - To manipulate, to operate (machinery). Often carries a negative connotation of controlling someone for selfish reasons.
• 调节 (tiáojié) - To adjust, to regulate. A softer form of control, like adjusting a thermostat or mediating a conflict.
• 约束 (yuēshù) - To restrain, to constrain, to bind. Focuses on setting limits or restricting freedom.
• 失去控制 (shīqù kòngzhì) - A common phrase meaning “to lose control.”
• 遥控器 (yáokòngqì) - Remote control (literally “far-away control device”).
• 霸道 (bàdào) - Domineering, bossy. A personality trait often associated with someone who likes to 控制 others.