Usage of 禁止
The word 禁止 (jìn zhǐ) is a formal verb meaning "to prohibit" or "to forbid." It is commonly used in official or legal contexts such as signs, rules, and regulations. When you see 禁止, it usually indicates that an action is not allowed and often carries a sense of authority or law enforcement.
Common Collocations
- 禁止吸烟 (jìn zhǐ xī yān): to prohibit smoking — very common on signs in public places.
- 禁止停车 (jìn zhǐ tíng chē): to prohibit parking — used in traffic signs.
- 禁止入内 (jìn zhǐ rù nèi): no entry allowed — often seen in restricted areas.
Nuances and Usage Notes
禁止 is stronger and more formal than words like 不让 or 不准. It implies an official or legal ban rather than a casual refusal. It is often used with nouns or verb phrases indicating the prohibited action.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 禁止 with 停止 (tíng zhǐ), which means "to stop" or "to halt" an action temporarily. 禁止 means to forbid entirely, often permanently or by rule.
Use 禁止 when you want to clearly express that something is not allowed by law, rule, or authority.