封

• Pinyin: fēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 封 = 圭 (jade tablet) + 寸 (hand) — originally depicted sealing something by hand

Meaning

Measure word for letters and sealed items. Used to count letters, emails, and envelopes.

The primary use is as a measure word for letters (信) and emails (邮件). It derives from the verb meaning 'to seal' — letters are sealed items. Also has a verb meaning (to seal, to block) but the measure word usage is more common at this level.

Examples

1. 我收到了一封朋友的信。 I received a letter from a friend.
2. 他每天要回很多封邮件。 He has to reply to many emails every day.
3. 妈妈给我写了一封长长的信。 Mom wrote me a long letter.

Usage Guide

Context: correspondence, email, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我写了一封信给老师。(I wrote a letter to the teacher.)
• 你有三封新邮件。(You have three new emails.)

Don't Say

• 不要用'封'来量包裹或快递 — for packages use 个 or 件, not 封 which is specifically for letters and emails (Don't say 一封包裹).

Origin & History

Originally a verb meaning 'to seal' or 'to close up.' Extended to become a measure word for sealed correspondence — letters being the archetypal sealed item.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal