遏制不良倾向

You’ll usually see this phrase used as a goal or a command. It often follows verbs like 必须 (must) or 应当 (should). You can use it to talk about big social issues, like fake news. But you can also use it for smaller things, like your friend group’s sudden obsession with expensive sneakers. It sounds a bit serious, so it carries some weight when you say it. It’s a powerful way to show you’re taking charge of a situation.

This is a go-to phrase in professional settings. Use it in a meeting when team morale is dipping. Use it when you notice employees are starting to show up late every day. It’s also great for parenting or self-improvement. If you notice you’re spending four hours a day on TikTok, tell yourself: 'I need to 遏制不良倾向.' It makes your self-discipline sound like a high-stakes government operation, which is surprisingly motivating!

Don't use this for a single, isolated accident. If your friend drops a plate, that’s just a mistake, not a 'tendency.' Using it there would make you sound like a robot or a very intense principal. Also, avoid it in very lighthearted, flirtatious, or casual banter unless you are being intentionally ironic. If you use it while someone is just telling a silly joke, you might come off as a bit of a buzzkill.

In China, this phrase is a staple in news broadcasts and official documents. It reflects a cultural value of social harmony and collective responsibility. There’s a strong belief that small negative behaviors can corrupt a larger group if left unchecked. By using this phrase, you’re tapping into that sense of 'social maintenance.' It’s been popular for decades because it sounds authoritative and decisive.

You might hear 遏制这种风气 (èzhì zhèzhǒng fēngqì), which means 'curb this atmosphere.' Another one is 扭转不良倾向 (niǔzhuǎn...), which means to actually 'turn around' or reverse the trend. If you want to sound slightly less formal, you could just say 别让这事儿蔓延 (don’t let this spread). But for maximum impact, the original phrase is your best bet.