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中立 (zhōng lì) — to be neutral, to remain neutral; to adopt a neutral stance

Definition

Mostly used as a verb meaning 'to remain neutral' in conflicts, disputes, or between sides — often paired with 保持 or 坚持. As an adjective, 中性 covers color, style, and chemistry (pH 7).

verb
to be neutralto remain neutralto adopt a neutral stance

Examples

  • ，中立。
    Zài chōng tū zhōng, wǒ men jiān chí zhōng lì.
    In the conflict, we insist on neutrality.
  • 中立。
    Zhè ge guó jiā zài zhàn zhēng zhōng shǐ zhōng bǎo chí zhōng lì.
    This country has always maintained neutrality in the war.
  • 中立。
    zhōng lì Shì guó jì guān xì zhōng de zhòng yào yuán zé.
    Neutrality is an important principle in international relations.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

中zhōngmiddle
立lìstand

“中” is the middle and “立” is to stand, so the sense is to stand in the middle.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The original picture showed a flagpole with a drum in the middle, set up in the center of a field.

Open 中 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

立 pictures a person standing on the ground.

Open 立 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 6Attitudes & Opinions

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