关 stroke order 关 chinese writing meaning 关 chinese character tattoos

The Chinese Character: 关 (guān)

1. Basic Meaning and Structure

The character "关" is a versatile and profound character with a range of interconnected meanings. Its traditional form is "關," which more clearly depicts a barricade across a gate. The simplified form "关" retains the essential idea.

  • Pronunciation: guān (sounds like "gwan" with a high, level tone).

  • Character Components: The modern form "关" is often analyzed as being composed of the top component 丷 (which can represent two hands or opposing forces) and the bottom component 天 (tiān), meaning "heaven" or "sky." However, its origin is a simplification of "關," which pictographically represents a bolt or crossbar used to lock a gate.

  • Stroke Order: 6 strokes.

    1. Dot (丶)

    2. Left-falling stroke (丿)

    3. Horizontal stroke (一)

    4. Dot (丶)

    5. Horizontal stroke (一)

    6. Vertical hook (亅)

2. Deeper Meanings and Usage

The core concept of "关" is a point of connection, transition, or control. From this, several important meanings derive:

  • To Close or Shut: This is the most common verb meaning. E.g., 关门 (guān mén) - to close the door.

  • A Pass or Frontier: A strategic, often mountainous, passage. E.g., 山海关 (Shānhǎi Guān) - the Shanhai Pass, a key point on the Great Wall. This implies a junction or a critical point in a journey.

  • To Turn Off: Used for machines and appliances. E.g., 关灯 (guān dēng) - to turn off the light.

  • Connection or Relationship: It implies a binding link. E.g., 关系 (guān xi) - relationship, connection. 关心 (guān xīn) - to care about (literally, "to connect the heart").

  • A Critical Juncture: A moment of great importance. E.g., 关键 (guān jiàn) - the key, the crux, the most critical point.

  • To Involve or Implicate: 有关 (yǒu guān) - to be related to; concerning.



"关" as a Tattoo: Meanings and Interpretations

As a tattoo, "关" is a powerful and contemplative choice. Its meaning is highly dependent on the personal context the wearer brings to it.

1. Core Symbolic Meanings

  • Closing a Chapter / New Beginnings: The meaning "to close" can be a powerful symbol of shutting the door on the past. It can represent leaving behind old hardships, ending a negative phase of life, or overcoming a personal struggle. By closing one door, you open another, making it a tattoo about resilience and new beginnings.

  • Overcoming Obstacles: Drawing from the meaning of "a mountain pass," this tattoo can symbolize successfully navigating a difficult challenge in life. It represents reaching the peak of a struggle and moving forward, stronger on the other side. It's a badge of honor for a survivor.

  • Connection and Relationships: If the tattoo is about "关系" (relationship), it can represent a deep, unbreakable bond with a family member, partner, or friend. It signifies that you are fundamentally connected to someone or something.

  • The Key to Life ("关键" - Guānjiàn): This is one of the most profound interpretations. A tattoo of "关" can be a shorthand for "关键," meaning "the key," "the crux," or "the essential point." It can serve as a reminder to focus on what is truly important in life, to find the key to one's own happiness, or to remember a pivotal moment that changed everything.

2. Personal Interpretations

  • A Personal Mantra: It can be a constant reminder to "turn off" negative thoughts, anxiety, or external noise.

  • A Marker of Transition: It can commemorate a major life transition—moving to a new country, a career change, or a period of personal transformation—symbolizing the crossing of a threshold.

  • A Tribute to a Bond: It could represent a specific, unbreakable "connection" (关系) that defines the wearer.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

The character "关" has a balanced and visually interesting structure.

  • Symmetry and Balance: The top component (丷) provides symmetry, while the bottom (天) grounds the character, giving it a stable feel.

  • Modern and Clean: The simplified form is very clean and works well as a modern tattoo design.

  • Stylization: It can be rendered in strong, blocky script for a bold look or in a more fluid, calligraphic style to soften its meaning of "closing" into one of "flowing transition."

Important Considerations Before Getting the Tattoo

  1. Context is Everything: The meaning of "关" is not inherently positive or negative; it is neutral and defined by your intention. Unlike "爱" (love) or "力" (strength), its meaning is more abstract. You must have a clear personal story for this tattoo.

  2. Potential for Misinterpretation: On its own, someone might simply interpret it as "close" or "off," which could seem negative or cryptic without explanation. Be prepared to share the deeper meaning you attribute to it.

  3. Combining with Other Characters: To make the meaning clearer, many people choose to tattoo a two-character phrase. Some powerful combinations include:

    • 关键 (guānjiàn): The key; the essential point.

    • 关心 (guānxīn): To care; love and concern.

    • 关系 (guānxi): Relationship; connection.

    • 关门 (guānmén): "Close the door," a very direct symbol of finality and moving on.

Summary of Tattoo Meanings:

  • Primary Meaning: To close; a pass; a connection.

  • Symbolic Meanings: New beginnings, overcoming obstacles, important relationships, focusing on what's essential (the key).

  • Aesthetic Meaning: A balanced, structured, and modern character that is visually striking.

In conclusion, a "关" tattoo is for a thoughtful individual who has experienced a significant transition, overcome a great challenge, or values deep connection. It is a character that speaks to the gates and passes we all must navigate in life, making it a deeply personal and powerful choice.

关字意思【meaning】

关字基本字义解释【Basic meaning】

关guān（ㄍㄨㄢ）

⒈  闭，合拢：关门。关闭。关张。关停并转（zhǎn）。

⒉  拘禁：关押。关禁。

⒊  古代在险要地方或国界设立的守卫处所：关口。关隘。关卡（qiǎ）。关塞（sài）。关津。嘉峪关。

⒋  征收进出口货税的机构：海关。关税。

⒌  重要的转折点，不易度过的时机：关节。难关。年关。

⒍  牵连，联属：关连。关联。关心。关涉。关乎。关注。关于。有关。

⒎  旧指发给或支领薪饷：关饷。

⒏  姓。

关的异体字【Variant】

  • 關

  • 関

  • 闗

关字汉英互译【Chinese-English Translation】

barrier、cut、pass、shut、turn off、close

相关字词【Related words】

闭合启开

造字法【Character Creation】

形声：从门、关声

关的英文翻译【English Translation】

frontier pass; close; relation

关字组词【Word Grouping】

津关;关会;燕关;乡关;关系;有关;间关;关咨;雄关;关豫;启关;关道;关侯;竹关;关押;

关字取名的寓意【The meaning of the name】

关字取名寓指掌上明珠、呵护有加、行成于思之意。中性字，用字频率为百分名字中使用了1675次，点击查看关字起名

关字取名的含义是什么【What does the name mean?】：

关字取名义指独立,稳重,阳刚之义;

关配什么字最好【What word is best?】

起名关配什么字最好【What word is best?】?关配什么字最好【What word is best?】男孩可配传、剑、贺、克、卫等字起名大气好听的。女孩关字配什么字好听可配嫔、碟、芒、於、娱等字起名最好听。

与关字搭配的最佳男孩名字【Best boy names that go with this word】

  • guan ming关溟

  • guan qun关群

  • guan qian关前

  • guan yun关云

  • guan sheng关胜

  • guan mei关梅

与关字搭配的最佳女孩名字【Best girl names that go with this word】

  • ying guan滢关

  • guan yi关依

  • guan yi关怡

  • guan ling关玲

  • guan ai关嫒

  • guan li关莉

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