关窗

§ Closing Windows at Work

You'll often hear 关窗 (guān chuāng) in an office or classroom setting. It's practical and to the point. Someone might say it if it's getting noisy, too cold, or to keep something out, like dust or rain.

DEFINITION

To close the window.

Translation hint: It's raining outside, please close the window.

Translation hint: It's too noisy, can you close the window?

§ In a School Setting

Teachers use 关窗 (guān chuāng) frequently in classrooms. It's a simple instruction to maintain a comfortable learning environment. Kids also use it amongst themselves.

• When it's cold:

  老师说天气冷了，要关窗。

  Translation hint: The teacher said it's cold, we need to close the window.

• During a strong wind:

  风很大，快点把窗户关上。

  Translation hint: The wind is very strong, quickly close the window.

Notice in the second example, you can also say 把窗户关上 (bǎ chuānghu guān shàng). This structure emphasizes the action on the object (window). Both are correct and common.

§ In News and Announcements

While less frequent than in daily conversation, 关窗 (guān chuāng) can appear in news reports or public announcements, especially during extreme weather warnings.

• During a typhoon or severe storm:

  请市民注意防范，及时关窗。

  Translation hint: Citizens are advised to take precautions and close windows promptly.

• About energy saving measures:

  为了节约能源，请随手关窗。

  Translation hint: To save energy, please close windows casually (as you leave).

In these contexts, 关窗 (guān chuāng) is part of a larger instruction, often paired with other safety or energy-saving advice. It's direct and clear, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

§ Don't Say '关门窗' (guān mén chuāng) for 'Close the Window'

Many beginners, fresh from learning how to say 'close the door' (关门, guān mén), often try to combine 'door' and 'window' when they want to say 'close the window.' They might think, 'If 关门 means close the door, then 关门窗 must mean close the window,' or even 'close the door and window.' This is incorrect for just closing a window.

DEFINITION

关窗 (guān chuāng): To close the window.

The verb 关 (guān) means 'to close,' and 窗 (chuāng) means 'window.' So, simply putting them together gives you the correct phrase: 关窗. Adding 门 (mén) into the mix when you only want to talk about the window makes it clunky and unnatural. While 关门窗 *could* technically mean 'close the door and window,' it's not how you'd say 'close the window.' If you only want to close the window, just say 关窗.

§ Using the Wrong Verb for 'Close'

Sometimes learners, especially those with some background in other languages, might try to use a different verb for 'close' that doesn't fit the context of a window. In Chinese, 关 (guān) is the most common and appropriate verb for closing doors, windows, and even appliances.

• Some might mistakenly think of verbs like 合 (hé) or 闭 (bì). While these words can mean 'to close' in other contexts, they are not used for closing windows.
• 合 (hé) often implies 'to combine' or 'to close something that folds,' like a book (合上书, hé shàng shū).
• 闭 (bì) is often used for closing eyes (闭眼, bì yǎn) or mouths (闭嘴, bì zuǐ), or in more formal contexts.

For windows, doors, and most things that physically shut, 关 (guān) is your go-to verb.

§ Omitting the Object (窗)

In English, if someone asks you to 'close it' and 'it' refers to the window, you understand. In Chinese, while context can sometimes allow for omission, it's generally safer and clearer to include the object, especially for beginners. Just saying 关 (guān) by itself without 窗 (chuāng) might leave the listener wondering 'close what?'

Always make sure you specify what you want to close unless the context is absolutely crystal clear and there's no possibility of misunderstanding.