Meaning
忌 expresses the idea of avoiding, prohibiting, or being wary of something, often for superstitious, medical, or social reasons. It can mean to abstain from certain foods or behaviors, to harbor jealousy, or to refer to a taboo. The character combines 己 (self) and 心 (heart), suggesting something one's heart must guard against.
Usage
Commonly used in formal or written contexts when discussing dietary restrictions (especially medical), taboos, superstitions, or things to avoid. Often appears in compounds like 忌口 (dietary restrictions), 禁忌 (taboo), and 顾忌 (scruples). Less common in casual daily conversation unless discussing specific restrictions or warnings.
Examples
- 01医生说我最近要忌辣。.The doctor said I need to avoid spicy food recently.
- 02在这个国家，当众批评领导是大忌。, .In this country, publicly criticizing leaders is a major taboo.
Common collocations
- 忌口to abstain from certain foods (dietary restriction)
- 大忌major taboo
- 忌讳to avoid as taboo
- 嫉忌to be jealous of
Antonyms
Origin
The character combines 己 (jǐ, self) with 心 (xīn, heart), suggesting something one's own heart must be cautious about or guard against.