Definition
切忌 (qiè jì) means 'must avoid / be sure not to' and is used in strong warnings or advice to prohibit an action. Unlike 忌讳 or 禁忌, which refer to cultural or social taboos, 切忌 is a direct imperative urging the listener to avoid something harmful or undesirable. It's more forceful and immediate than 忌 (jì), which can also mean 'be jealous of'.
verb
to avoid by all meansto avoid (as taboo)
Easily confused
- 切记qiè jìsound-aliketo be sure to remember, to keep in mind (as a warning or reminder)
Examples
- ，切忌。Chūmén zàiwài, qiè jì wàng le dài yàoshi.When you're out, be sure not to forget your keys.
- 切忌，。Kǎoshì qián qiè jì jǐnzhāng, yào fàngsōng xīnqíng.Avoid getting nervous before exams; relax.
- 切忌，。Kāichē shí qiè jì kàn shǒujī, hěn wēixiǎn.Don't look at your phone while driving — it's very dangerous.
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