lǐ zhì
reason; intellect
我们要保持理智，不要被情绪冲昏头脑。
Wǒmen yào bǎochí lǐzhì, bùyào bèi qíngxù chōng hūn tóunǎo.
We must remain rational and not let our emotions cloud our judgment.
在处理问题时，我们要用理智来分析和判断。
Zài chǔlǐ wèntí shí, wǒmen yào yòng lǐzhì lái fēnxī hé pànduàn.
When dealing with problems, we must use reason to analyze and judge.
理智告诉我们，这样做是不对的。
Lǐzhì gàosù wǒmen, zhèyàng zuò shì bùduì de.
Reason tells us that this is wrong.
理性 (lǐxìng)
rationality
理智 (zhìlì)
reason
感性 (gǎn xìng)
emotional
冲动 (chōng dòng)
impulsive
Track your progress, master characters, and achieve your Chinese language goals.
Get Started Free
The Chinese word 理智 (lǐzhì) is composed of two characters: 理 (lǐ) and 智 (zhì). 理 originally meant "pattern" or "principle", and later came to mean "reason" or "logic". 智 originally meant "wisdom" or "knowledge", and later came to mean "intelligence" or "understanding". Thus, 理智 can be understood as "the use of reason and intelligence", or "the ability to think rationally".The word 理智 first appeared in the Chinese language during the Warring States period (475-221 BC). It was used by the philosopher Xunzi to describe the ability of humans to distinguish between right and wrong, and to make moral judgments. Over time, the word 理智 came to be used more broadly to refer to the ability to think rationally and make sound decisions.Today, 理智 is a commonly used word in Chinese. It is used in a variety of contexts, including philosophy, psychology, and everyday conversation. It is an important word for HSK learners to know, as it is used to express a fundamental concept in Chinese thought and culture.
