The translation of tzimtzum is, “to make small, minimize.” The description of tzimtzum throughout chassidus is, “ma’ale umastir,” “hellem,” “seiser,” etc. These are all terms that mean concealment and filtration yet they all have different connotations.

Whenever “vessels (keilim),” “hishtaleshelus,” “quality (b’china),” degree (gedder),” etc. are mentioned i.e., limitation, it means that the underlying system is tzimtzum.

Additionally, whenever “revelation (giluy)” (even if makkif), “expression/giving (hashpo’ah),” “experience (pnimius),” etc. or any other term that has to do with receiving or accepting (from a giver), it is because tzimtzum is involved.

This means that to share an idea, tzimtzim is needed (the letters of thought, spoken words, emotions, etc.). To understand the idea that was shared, there needs to be tzimtzum.