Meaning
拘束 describes a feeling of being constrained, inhibited, or uncomfortable in a social situation, as if one cannot act naturally or freely. It can also mean to physically or mentally restrict someone. The word conveys a sense of being bound or held back, whether by social pressure, formality, or actual constraints.
Usage
Most commonly used to describe psychological discomfort in social settings where someone feels they cannot be themselves. Often appears in phrases like 感到拘束 (to feel constrained) or 不要拘束 (don't be shy/reserved). Less formal than 拘谨 but more formal than 不自在.
Examples
- 01在新同事面前我感到有点儿拘束。.I feel a bit uncomfortable in front of my new colleagues.
- 02别拘束，把这里当自己家。, .Don't be shy, make yourself at home.
Characters
Common collocations
- 感到拘束to feel constrained/uncomfortable
- 不要拘束don't be shy, make yourself at home
- 过于拘束overly reserved/constrained
- 毫不拘束completely at ease, uninhibited
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to binding or restricting. 拘 originally meant to arrest or detain, while 束 means to tie up or bundle. Together they emphasize the idea of being bound or restricted.