关
to close; to shut; to turn off
guān
What does 关 mean?
关 (guān) is the everyday verb for shutting something or switching something off. Three core uses cover most cases: physically close — 关门 (close the door), 关窗户 (close the window); turn off electronics — 关灯 (turn off the light), 关电视 (turn off the TV), 关机 (power off / turn off a phone); and shut a business or operation — 商店关了 (the shop has closed). It also appears as part of broader compounds like 关心 (care about — see separate entry), 关系 (relationship), and 关于 (about / regarding).
Two notes for English speakers: first, Chinese doesn't distinguish 'close' (door)
Character breakdown
to close; to shut; pass / barrier (the simplified form replaced the older 關 showing a gate with a bar across it)
Memory hook: Picture a gate with the crossbar dropped in: 关 — closed, shut, the path is barred.
Example sentences
请关门。
Qǐng guān mén.
Please close the door.
polite
睡觉前别忘了关灯。
Shuìjiào qián bié wàng le guān dēng.
Don't forget to turn off the light before bed.
spoken
商店晚上九点关门。
Shāngdiàn wǎnshàng jiǔ diǎn guān mén.
The shop closes at 9 in the evening.
neutral
我的手机关机了。
Wǒ de shǒujī guānjī le.
My phone is turned off.
spoken
Common phrases with 关
Synonyms
关闭 is a more formal/written 'close / shut down' — used for businesses, factories, websites, accounts (账号关闭了 — the account has been closed). 关 is the everyday spoken verb for doors and switches.
Don't confuse 关 with
FAQ
Acquire by listening
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