闭 (bì) - to close & to shut

闭Tone 4

bì ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 门

傲不

闭 · bì

to close;

to shut;

to obstruct;

to stop up

to closeto shutto obstruct

Usage highlights

Close the doorClose one's eyesConclude a meetingShut down a businessBlock the mouthSeal off

Synonyms

  • 关— to close; to shut
  • 合— to close; to shut
  • 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 today (闭店).
  • He closed his eyes to rest (闭眼).
  • The meeting has concluded (闭会).

Collocations

  • Close the door(闭门)
  • Close one's eyes(闭眼)
  • Conclude a meeting(闭会)
  • Shut down a business(闭店)
  • Block the mouth(闭口)
  • Seal off(封闭)

Idioms

  • Shut the door and reflect on one's mistakes(闭门思过)
  • Shut oneself in and make a carriage behind closed doors(闭门造车)
  • Shut one's eyes and stop one's ears(闭目塞听)
  • Close the country to international intercourse(闭关锁国)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, 'closing the door' (闭门) often implies introspection, seclusion, or exclusion.
  • The idiom '闭门造车' criticizes working behind closed doors without considering external realities.
  • Historically, '闭关锁国' refers to China's policy of national isolation during the Qing dynasty.

FAQ