Meanings of 门
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About 门
Podcast: 门
Podcast: 门
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AI Study Notes for 门
口 (kǒu, mouth/opening) — use 门 for physical doors or gates, while 口 refers to openings or entrances in a more general sense.
Common mistakes include confusing 门 with other similar characters like 问 (wèn, to ask) because of their similar structure. Remember that 门 specifically refers to a physical or metaphorical opening. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases related to access and entry.
As an HSK Level 2 word, 门 connects with other basic vocabulary about home and everyday objects. Students should focus on using it in phrases and practice its use in context, such as '开门' (kāi mén, open the door) or '关门' (guān mén, close the door).
Learners often mistakenly use 门 with the wrong classifier; for example, saying '一扇门' (yī shàn mén) is correct, whereas saying '一个门' (yī gè mén) is incorrect. Remember that 门 typically uses the classifier 扇 (shàn) when referring to doors.
Pronunciation of 门
Drill the tone of 门 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 门
Simplified form of 門. Pictograph of a gate.
An open doorway or gate
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 门
Simplified form of 門. Pictograph of a gate.
- 1The giveawayAn open doorway or gate
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 门? 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 门?
Decomposition of 门
Identify the Components
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How to say gate in Chinese
“gate” in Chinese is门
门 (mén) primarily means 'door' or 'gate' and is used in various contexts related to entrances or openings. It can refer to physical doors, metaphorical gateways, or even categories and classifications in a more abstract sense, such as schools of thought or types of technology.
When to use 门
Common mistakes include confusing 门 with other similar characters like 问 (wèn, to ask) because of their similar structure. Remember that 门 specifically refers to a physical or metaphorical opening. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in phrases related to access and entry.
门 or something close to it
口 (kǒu, mouth/opening) — use 门 for physical doors or gates, while 口 refers to openings or entrances in a more general sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 门 with the wrong classifier; for example, saying '一扇门' (yī shàn mén) is correct, whereas saying '一个门' (yī gè mén) is incorrect. Remember that 门 typically uses the classifier 扇 (shàn) when referring to doors.
Write 门
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Practice writing 门 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 门
门 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 21 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
他开____出去了。
He opened the door and went out.
Example Sentences for 门 (15)
Word Family of 门
Compound Meaning
What does 们 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 门
门 specifically refers to doors or gates, while 口 generally means 'mouth' or 'opening' and can refer to any kind of entrance.
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