抑制 vs 控制

Both 抑制 (yìzhì) and 控制 (kòngzhì) can mean "to control," 抑制 mainly means "to restrain one s sentiment", while 控制 means "to control something within a certain scope". Here’s how to use them correctly:

1. 抑制 (yìzhì) – "Suppress," "Restrain," or "Inhibit"

Usage:

Emotions, Desires, or Natural Reactions

• Used for holding back emotions, impulses, or biological processes.
• Often implies internal struggle (e.g., suppressing anger, tears, or growth).
• 他努力抑制自己的愤怒。 (Tā nǔlì yìzhì zìjǐ de fènnù.)
  → "He tried hard to suppress his anger."
• 她抑制不住眼泪。 (Tā yìzhì bù zhù yǎnlèi.)
  → "She couldn’t hold back her tears."

Biological/Chemical Processes

• Used in science/medicine for stopping/slowing growth, pain, or reactions.
• 这种药可以抑制病毒。 (Zhè zhǒng yào kěyǐ yìzhì bìngdú.)
  → "This medicine can inhibit the virus."
• 咖啡因会抑制睡眠。 (Kāfēiyīn huì yìzhì shuìmián.)
  → "Caffeine can inhibit sleep."

Negative Connotation (Forcing Something Down)

• Often implies unnatural restraint (e.g., suppressing feelings is unhealthy).

2. 控制 (kòngzhì) – "Control," "Manage," or "Regulate"

Usage:

Active Management of Situations or Objects

• Used for direct control over machines, systems, or external things.
• Neutral tone (can be positive or negative).
• 他控制了公司的财务。 (Tā kòngzhì le gōngsī de cáiwù.)
  → "He controlled the company’s finances."
• 政府控制了物价上涨。 (Zhèngfǔ kòngzhì le wùjià shàngzhǎng.)
  → "The government controlled price increases."

Self-Control (Less Emotional Than 抑制)

• Focuses on discipline rather than suppression.
• 你要学会控制情绪。 (Nǐ yào xuéhuì kòngzhì qíngxù.)
  → "You need to learn to control your emotions." (More neutral than 抑制.)

Technical/Mechanical Control

• Used for machines, technology, or systems.
• 这个遥控器可以控制电视。 (Zhè yáokòngqì kěyǐ kòngzhì diànshì.)
  → "This remote can control the TV."

3. Key Differences Summary

Final Summary

• Use 抑制 (yìzhì) for suppressing emotions, desires, or biological processes.
• Use 控制 (kòngzhì) for managing systems, machines, or disciplined self-control.