verb HSK 4
to prohibit · to forbid · to ban
Meaning
禁止 means to formally prohibit or forbid something, indicating that an action is not allowed by rules, regulations, or authority. It's commonly seen on signs and in official contexts where restrictions are being communicated.
Usage
This word is frequently used in formal, official, or written contexts such as signs, regulations, and announcements. You'll see it on warning signs (禁止吸烟 'no smoking') and in legal or institutional language. It's more formal than casual expressions like 不能 or 不可以.
Examples
- 01这里禁止拍照。.Photography is prohibited here.
- 02学校禁止学生带手机进教室。.The school forbids students from bringing cell phones into the classroom.
Characters
Common collocations
- 禁止吸烟no smoking
- 禁止停车no parking
- 禁止入内no entry, keep out
- 严禁strictly prohibit
Antonyms
Origin
The character 禁 originally depicted a forest (林) with a divine prohibition marker, representing a sacred or restricted area. Combined with 止 (to stop), the compound reinforces the meaning of stopping or preventing an action.