封

• 拼音: fēng
• 汉字拆解: 封 = 圭 (jade tablet) + 寸 (hand) — originally depicted sealing something by hand

含义

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.

例句

1. 我收到了一封朋友的信。
2. 他每天要回很多封邮件。
3. 妈妈给我写了一封长长的信。

用法指南

语境: correspondence, email, everyday

语气: neutral

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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).

起源与历史

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.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal