缄 (jiān) - To seal & to close

缄Tone 1

jiān ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

嘉健

缄 · jiān

To seal;

to close;

to shut;

to keep silent;

used in words related to sealing letters, keeping secrets, or restraining speech.

To sealto closeto shut

Usage highlights

Seal a letterKeep silentSeal one's mouthSealed letterSealed documentThree silences

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 开— to open
  • 言— to speak
  • 扬— to publicize

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please seal the envelope (缄封信封).
  • He remained silent about the matter (对此事缄口不言).
  • The document was marked 'confidential' (文件上标着'缄').
  • She kept her feelings sealed inside (她把感情缄藏在心里).

Collocations

  • Seal a letter(缄封)
  • Keep silent(缄默)
  • Seal one's mouth(缄口)
  • Sealed letter(缄札)
  • Sealed document(缄书)
  • Three silences(三缄其口)

Idioms

  • Sealing the mouth with three seals(三缄其口)
  • Keeping silent and saying nothing(缄口不言)
  • Keeping silent and hiding traces(缄舌闭口)
  • Sealed lips and tied tongue(缄唇闭舌)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the rope used to tie or seal containers and documents in ancient times.
  • The idiom '三缄其口' comes from Confucian classics, advising caution in speech.
  • Used on envelopes in Chinese to indicate 'confidential' or to mark the sender's restraint.
  • Reflects traditional values of discretion, prudence, and the importance of measured speech.

FAQ