关机

• Pinyin: guān jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 关 = simplified from 關, meaning to close/shut; 机 = simplified from 機, meaning machine or device

Meaning

To turn off; to power off. Used for switching off electronic devices, especially phones and computers.

The opposite of 开机 (to turn on). Most commonly used for mobile phones and computers. When someone's phone is off, the automated message says '您拨打的电话已关机.'

Examples

1. 看电影的时候请关机。 Please turn off your phone during the movie.
2. 手机没电了，自动关机了。 The phone ran out of battery and turned off automatically.
3. 睡觉前我都会把手机关机。 I always turn off my phone before going to bed.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, phone etiquette, daily life

Tone: instructional

Do Say

• 请把手机关机。(Please turn off your phone.)
• 电脑关机了吗？(Did you turn off the computer?)

Don't Say

• 不要用关机来描述关灯或关门 — 关机 is specifically for electronic devices. For lights, use 关灯; for doors, use 关门.

Origin & History

Compound of 关 (to close, to turn off) and 机 (machine, device), literally 'close the machine.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal