Meanings of 關
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 關
Podcast: 關
Podcast: 關
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 關
关 (guān) vs 闭 (bì) — use 闭 specifically for 'to close' in a more definitive or physical sense, while 关 can imply a broader or metaphorical closure.
A common mistake is confusing 關 with its homophone 关 (guān), which can mean 'to concern' in a different context. This character is generally neutral in tone but can be used in both formal and informal settings, especially in phrases like '关系' (guān xì), meaning 'relationship'. Pay attention to the correct tones, as mispronunciation could lead to confusion.
Although 關 is not part of the official HSK levels, it connects well with HSK 3 vocabulary like '关系' (relationship) and HSK 5 phrases about closing or securing items. Students should focus on the contexts where 關 is used to enhance comprehension in discussions about relationships or closures.
Learners often mistakenly use 關 in the wrong context, such as saying '我关心他' (wǒ guān xīn tā) which translates to 'I close my heart to him' instead of the correct '我关心他' (wǒ guān xīn tā) meaning 'I care about him'. Remember, 關 is about closing or connections, not emotions.
Pronunciation of 關
Drill the tone of 關 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 關
Phonosemantic compound. 門 represents the meaning and 𢇇 represents the sound. The simplified character 关 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 關. The traditional component 門 was removed for simplification.
gate
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 關
Phonosemantic compound. 門 represents the meaning and 𢇇 represents the sound. The simplified character 关 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 關. The traditional component 門 was removed for simplification.
- 1The meaning half門 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half丱 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaygate
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 關? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 關?
Decomposition of 關
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 關?
How to say frontier pass; to close, to shut; relation in Chinese
“frontier pass; to close, to shut; relation” in Chinese is關
The character 關 (guān) primarily means 'to close' or 'to shut', but it also refers to a 'frontier pass' or 'gate', and can denote relationships or connections between people or things. It is commonly used in contexts involving security, relationships, and closures, making it versatile in everyday conversation and written communication.
When to use 關
A common mistake is confusing 關 with its homophone 关 (guān), which can mean 'to concern' in a different context. This character is generally neutral in tone but can be used in both formal and informal settings, especially in phrases like '关系' (guān xì), meaning 'relationship'. Pay attention to the correct tones, as mispronunciation could lead to confusion.
關 or something close to it
关 (guān) vs 闭 (bì) — use 闭 specifically for 'to close' in a more definitive or physical sense, while 关 can imply a broader or metaphorical closure.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 關 in the wrong context, such as saying '我关心他' (wǒ guān xīn tā) which translates to 'I close my heart to him' instead of the correct '我关心他' (wǒ guān xīn tā) meaning 'I care about him'. Remember, 關 is about closing or connections, not emotions.
Write 關
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 關 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 關
Compound Meaning
What does 关系 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 關
In a relationship context, 關 refers to the connections or ties between people, often denoted by the term '关系'.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 關?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.