Definition
忌讳 (jì huì) is the general term for a social or cultural taboo, used as both a noun and a verb. It is broader than 禁忌 (jìn jì), which often implies a formal or medical prohibition, and 忌口 (jì kǒu), which specifically refers to dietary restrictions. 切忌 (qiè jì) is a stronger, emphatic form meaning 'must avoid at all costs'.
noun
taboo
verb
to avoid as tabooto abstain from (out of cultural sensitivity or superstition)
Easily confused
- 机会jī huìsound-alikeopportunity, chance
- 集会jí huìsound-aliketo gather, to assemble
Examples
- 忌讳。Hěnduō rén jì huì tídào sǐwáng.Many people avoid mentioning death as a taboo.
- 忌讳。Zhè shì wǒmen wénhuà zhōng de yí gè jì huì.This is a taboo in our culture.
- 忌讳。Tā zài xīnnián jì huì chī mǒuxiē shíwù.He abstains from certain foods during the New Year as a taboo.
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