关

• Pinyin: guān
• Hanzi breakdown: 关 = simplified from 關 (gate with bars); originally meant to bar a gate shut

Meaning

To close; to shut; to turn off. Used for doors, windows, lights, and electronic devices.

A versatile verb used for physically closing doors and windows, as well as turning off lights, TVs, and computers. The opposite is 开 (to open / to turn on). Also appears in the compound 关心 (to care about).

Examples

1. 请把门关上。 Please close the door.
2. 天冷了，关窗户吧。 It's cold, let's close the window.
3. 睡觉前要关灯。 Turn off the light before going to bed.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, home

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请关门。(Please close the door.)
• 你关电脑了吗？(Did you turn off the computer?)

Don't Say

• 关书 (You don't 关 a book — use 合上书 to close a book)

Origin & History

The traditional form 關 shows a gate with bars — closing or barring a gate. The simplified form 关 greatly reduced the strokes.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal