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Kanji Detail for 關 - "bar, close, checkpoint, mechanism, relate"
關
- Meaning
關 means "bar, close, checkpoint, mechanism, relate."
Bar - A crossbar that prevents a gate from opening.
Close - To shut; to lock.
Checkpoint - A barrier; a pass.
Mechanism - A device; a contrivance.
Relate - To be connected; to have bearing on.
- Dictionary Citations
The meaning above is based on the following sources:
KANJIDIC2 A comprehensive Japanese-English kanji dictionary
connection; barrier; gateway; involve; concerning
Unihan Unicode Han Database for CJK characters
frontier pass; close; relation
CC-CEDICT A Chinese-English dictionary
surname Guan
Make Me a Hanzi Open-source Chinese character data
frontier pass; to close, to shut; relation
XSZD Xuéshēng Zìdiǎn (學生字典) - Student's Dictionary
To close. As in "the gate is set but always closed." Found in Tao Qian's writings. | 關 refers to using a horizontal bar to hold a door shut. Therefore the pivoting mechanism on a door is called 關鍵 (key mechanism). By extension, the mechanism in objects is called 機關 (mechanism). Today, the critical point or headquarters of affairs is called 關鍵 (key) or 機關 (organization). This is the origin. | A gate at a border is called 關. As in 邊關 (border pass), 關塞 (fortified pass). Established at strategic locations. Checkpoints for inspecting travelers and goods are also called 關. As in today's 海關 (customs), 常關 (regular customs). In ancient times, passes were set up only to inspect travelers. Later they began to be used for collecting taxes. The Mencius says: "At the passes, inspect but do not levy taxes." This is the meaning. | A boundary. As in 聖域賢關 (the realm of sages and worthies). Today, the end of the year is called 年關在邇 (the year-end barrier is near). This is the same meaning. | Being mutually connected is called 關繫 (related). Today, concern is also called 關心 (care), 關懷 (concern). | To be separated. Meaning indirect. As in 關說 (indirect persuasion). Found in the Book of Han. Refers to matters not handled face-to-face but conveyed through intermediaries. | A type of official document. Used between peers, it is called 關. This term existed since Song times. Therefore receiving salary by credentials is called 關餉. Also, making a contract between parties is called 關書. Used when hiring private advisors.
- Onyomi
- Kunyomi
- Strokes
- Radical
- Related Keywords