Definitions

guān (verb) to close; to shut; to turn off
guān (verb) to concern; to involve
guān (noun) mountain pass; checkpoint

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and 𢇇 represents the sound. The simplified character was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character . The traditional component was removed for simplification.

About

The character "关" originated from the concept of a door bolt or a strategic mountain pass, with its traditional form "關" incorporating the "門" component to explicitly denote a gate or doorway, thereby anchoring its early meaning in physical closure or a secured boundary. Over time, the term's application broadened from denoting actual barriers and checkpoints to encompassing abstract ideas of involvement and interconnection, as evidenced in compounds like "关系", which conveys relationship or relevance. This semantic expansion, moving from the tangible to the figurative, was paralleled by a gradual streamlining of its written form, resulting in the contemporary structure "关" that continues to carry these accumulated layers of meaning.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我很心你。

Wǒ hěn guānxīn nǐ.

I care about you a lot.

掉电视。

Qǐng guān diào diànshì.

Please turn off the TV.

这件事跟我无

Zhè jiàn shì gēn wǒ wúguān.

This matter has nothing to do with me.

我们之间的系很好。

Wǒmen zhījiān de guānxì hěn hǎo.

The relationship between us is very good.

闭窗户以防下雨。

Guānbì chuānghu yǐ fáng xià yǔ.

Close the windows to prevent rain from coming in.

心环境是每个人的责任。

Guānxīn huánjìng shì měi gè rén de zérèn.

Caring for the environment is everyone's responsibility.

于这个问题,我们需要讨论。

Guānyú zhège wèntí, wǒmen xūyào tǎolùn.

Regarding this issue, we need to discuss.

闭工厂导致了失业。

Guānbì gōngchǎng dǎozhìle shīyè.

Closing the factory led to unemployment.