閉 (bì) - To close & to shut

閉Tone 4

bì ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

傲不

閉 · bì

To close;

to shut;

to obstruct;

to conclude;

to end;

to stop.

To closeto shutto obstruct

Usage highlights

Close the doorClose one's eyesConclude a meetingClosed circuitShut downSealed off

Synonyms

  • 关— to close; to shut
  • 合— to close; to join
  • 封— to seal; to close up

Antonyms

  • 开— to open
  • 启— to open; to start
  • 张— to open; to spread

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please close the door (闭门).
  • The store is closed for business (闭店).
  • He closed his eyes to think (闭上眼睛).
  • The conference concluded successfully (会议闭幕).

Collocations

  • Close the door(闭门)
  • Close one's eyes(闭眼)
  • Conclude a meeting(闭幕)
  • Closed circuit(闭路)
  • Shut down(关闭)
  • Sealed off(封闭)

Idioms

  • Shut the door and refuse to receive guests(闭门谢客)
  • Shut one's eyes and stop one's ears(闭目塞听)
  • Close the door to ponder(闭门思过)
  • A closed door with a tight seal(闭门紧锁)
  • Shut the door and beat the dog(关门打狗)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, 'closing the door' (闭门) can signify retreat, reflection, or refusal of outside interference.
  • The character appears in formal contexts like 'curtain call' (闭幕) for concluding ceremonies and events.
  • The concept of 'closing' extends metaphorically to ending activities, sealing objects, or stopping functions.

FAQ