noun HSK 5
zhì
order · sequence · orderliness

Meaning

秩序 refers to orderly arrangement, systematic organization, or proper sequence in social, administrative, or physical contexts. It encompasses both the concept of 'law and order' in society and the idea of things being arranged in proper sequence or pattern.

Usage

Commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts when discussing social order, public order, or systematic arrangements. Often appears with verbs like 维护 (wéihù, maintain), 建立 (jiànlì, establish), or 破坏 (pòhuài, disrupt). Frequently used in news, official documents, and discussions about governance or organization.

Examples

  1. 01
    警察在现场维护秩序
    Jǐng chá zài xiàn chǎng wéi zhì .
    The police are maintaining order at the scene.
  2. 02
    建立良好的社会秩序需要大家共同努力。
    Jiàn liáng hǎo de shè huì zhì yào jiā gòng tóng .
    Establishing good social order requires everyone's joint efforts.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 维护秩序
    wéi zhì
    maintain order
  • 社会秩序
    shè huì zhì
    social order
  • 公共秩序
    gōng gòng zhì
    public order
  • 破坏秩序
    huài zhì
    disrupt order

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters relate to orderly arrangement. 秩 originally referred to ranked positions in feudal hierarchy, while 序 denoted sequential ordering. Together they emphasize systematic and proper arrangement.

Related