戒烟 (jiè yān) literally means 'to戒 (jiè) — to abstain from, renounce, or forbid oneself — and 烟 (yān) — tobacco or smoking.' Together, it specifically means 'to quit smoking' — the deliberate, sustained cessation of cigarette or tobacco use. It is a compound verb formed by combining a verb of prohibition with a noun representing the habit being stopped.

This term is widely used in health contexts, public campaigns, medical advice, and personal conversations about lifestyle change. While 戒 can pair with many nouns (e.g., 戒酒 'quit drinking'), 戒烟 is one of the most common and socially significant combinations in modern Chinese. It implies intentionality and effort, not just temporary abstinence, and often carries positive connotations of self-discipline and improved well-being.