中止

zhōng zhǐ

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Uncommon

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Definitions

1. to cease
2. to suspend
3. to break off
4. to stop
5. to discontinue

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 继续 jì xù 继续 jì xù to continue general opposite meaning 'to continue': to continue

Related words

1 item

• 终止 zhōng zhǐ 终止 zhōng zhǐ to stop similar but implies permanent termination: to stop

Synonyms

2 items

• 停止 tíng zhǐ 停止 tíng zhǐ to stop; to halt; to cease when meaning 'to stop' an action or process: to stop; to halt; to cease
• 中断 zhōng duàn 中断 zhōng duàn to cut short when meaning 'to suspend' or 'discontinue' temporarily: to cut short

Usage notes

Collocations

Commonly used in legal and formal contexts, e.g., 中止合同 (zhōngzhǐ hétong, to suspend a contract). Not typically used for casual actions.

Common mistakes

中止 (zhōngzhǐ) means temporary suspension, while 终止 (zhōngzhǐ) means permanent termination. Learners often confuse them due to similar pronunciation.

Child Words of 中止

• 中 中 zhōng: within
• 中 中 zhòng: to hit (the mark)
• 止 止 zhǐ: to stop