Meaning
关 is a fundamental character meaning 'to close' or 'to shut,' commonly used for doors, windows, and electronic devices. It also means 'to concern' or 'to relate to' in phrases like 关于 (concerning) and 关系 (relationship). As a noun, it can refer to a mountain pass or checkpoint.
Usage
Native speakers use 关 constantly in daily life for physical closing actions (关门 'close the door', 关灯 'turn off the light'). It pairs with 开 (open) as a natural opposite. In abstract usage, it appears in common expressions about relationships and relevance. The verb is typically followed directly by the object without need for additional particles.
Examples
- 01请你出去的时候关门。.Please close the door when you go out.
- 02这件事跟我没关系。.This matter has nothing to do with me.
Common collocations
- 关门to close the door
- 关灯to turn off the light
- 关机to turn off (a device)
- 关窗户to close the window
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 關 depicts a gate with a bolt or latch, symbolizing the action of closing or securing an entrance. The simplified form 关 retains the basic gate structure.