Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 理致 | lǐzhì |
| 理性 | lǐxìng |
| 理智 | lǐzhì |
These terms refer specifically to the human capacity for rational thought. For example, the phrase 失去理性 is a standard way to describe someone acting irrationally or losing control due to emotion. When you want to describe a person or a decision as being sensible and controlled, you can use the adjective form 理智的.
Which one should you use?
While these words all relate to the concept of reason, they have different nuances. 理性 is the most common term used in philosophical, psychological or formal contexts to refer to the capacity for rational thought. In contrast, 理智 often carries an additional connotation of emotional control or 'sanity' (such as keeping one's wits about them).
Is it said differently in some regions?
To question the reason behind a situation informally, you can use 怎么回事 throughout China. In northern regions of China, the informal phrase 咋回事 is also commonly used.
How do you pronounce it?
lǐzhì
Did you know?
- The character 理 found in these words originally referred to the patterns or grains in jade or wood, suggesting that 'reason' is the inherent pattern of things.
- Many modern Chinese terms for abstract concepts like 'reason' are actually 'Wasei kango', which means they were originally coined in Japan and later imported into Chinese.
Examples in context
- 灵魂是由理性、意志和情欲构成的。The soul is made up of reason, determination, and passion.This sentence uses 理性 to describe a component of the soul.Tatoeba #3130779 by sadhen, translation #7773720 by sharris123
- 没有男人有能把控住女性理性的想象力，这就是为什么它被说无理。No man has the imagination required to grasp female reason, which is why it is called unreasonable.This sentence uses 理性 to discuss the concept of being unreasonable.Tatoeba #10048845 by GlossaMatik, translation #11272899 by Aphima
- 人人生而自由，尊嚴和權利平等。他們賦有理性和良知，應以弟兄之情互相對待。All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.This sentence uses 理性 in the context of human rights and natural endowments.Tatoeba #1535878 by jacquiceung, translation #338182 by sysko
- 我无法理解他的原因。I cannot understand his reason.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reason” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 理性, 理智, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
