緘 (jiān) - To seal & to close

緘Tone 1

jiān ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

嘉健

緘 · jiān

To seal;

to close;

to shut;

used for sealing letters or keeping silent.

To sealto closeto shut

Usage highlights

Seal a letterKeep silentSealed lipsSealed documentSealed envelopeThree seals

Synonyms

  • 封— to seal; to close
  • 閉— to close; to shut

Antonyms

  • 開— to open
  • 啟— to open; to begin

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please seal the letter (緘封).
  • He maintained a discreet silence (緘默).
  • The envelope was securely closed (信封緘口).
  • Ancient documents were sealed with clay (泥緘).

Collocations

  • Seal a letter(緘封)
  • Keep silent(緘默)
  • Sealed lips(緘口)
  • Sealed document(緘札)
  • Sealed envelope(緘書)
  • Three seals(三緘)

Idioms

  • Three seals on the mouth(三緘其口)
  • Sealed lips like a bottle(守口如瓶，防意如城)
  • Sealed letter from afar(魚書雁信)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the rope used to bind containers or documents in ancient China.
  • Associated with the concept of discretion and secrecy in Confucian culture.
  • Used in traditional letter-writing etiquette to show respect and formality.

FAQ