忌讳

jì huì

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Rare

Definitions

1. taboo
2. to avoid as taboo
3. to abstain from

Word relationships

Synonyms

3 items

• 禁忌 jìn jì 禁忌 jìn jì taboo General term for things that are forbidden or taboo in a society.: taboo
• 避讳 bì huì 避讳 bì huì to avoid a taboo (usu. on the given names of emperors or one's elders) To avoid mentioning or doing something out of respect or taboo, especially in names.: to avoid a taboo (usu. on the given names of emperors or one's elders)
• 避忌 bì jì 避忌 bì jì to avoid as taboo To avoid because of dislike or superstition.: to avoid as taboo

Usage notes

Collocations

Common collocation: 最忌讳 (what is most taboo). Used with abstract nouns like 事情, 话题, or verbs, e.g., 他最忌讳别人说他胖。

Cultural notes

In Chinese culture, topics like death, certain numbers, or public criticism are often 忌讳. Giving clocks (送钟, sounds like 送终 'attend a funeral') as gifts is a well-known taboo.

Example Sentences

1 shown

他最 忌讳 别人说他胖。

He hates it most when others call him fat.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 忌讳

• 忌 忌 jì: to be jealous of
• 讳 讳 huì: to avoid mentioning