In 15 Seconds
- Used for powering off electronic devices like phones and computers.
- Literally translates to 'closing the machine'.
- Essential for travel, meetings, and saving battery life.
Meaning
This is the standard way to say you are turning off an electronic device, specifically one with a 'machine' or 'engine' component like a phone or computer.
Key Examples
3 of 6On an airplane
起飞前请大家关机。
Please shut down your devices before takeoff.
Phone battery is low
我的手机没电关机了。
My phone ran out of power and shut down.
Entering a movie theater
电影要开始了，快关机吧。
The movie is starting, hurry and turn off your phone.
Cultural Background
In the hyper-connected world of WeChat and Alipay, 'guānjī' has become a synonym for being unavailable or taking a digital detox. It is often used as a polite excuse for not answering messages immediately, even if the phone wasn't actually off. In early mobile days, 'guānjī' was a common automated operator message when calling someone out of signal range.
The 'Restart' Combo
If you want to say 'restart', use `关机重启` (guānjī chóngqǐ). It's the most common way to describe fixing a tech glitch.
Don't 'Close' the Light
Remember, `关机` is only for machines. If you want to turn off a light, just say `关灯` (guāndēng). Using `关机` for a lightbulb will sound very strange!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for powering off electronic devices like phones and computers.
- Literally translates to 'closing the machine'.
- Essential for travel, meetings, and saving battery life.
What It Means
关机 is your go-to phrase for powering down. It literally means 'close the machine.' Think of it as the master switch. You use it for phones, laptops, and tablets. It is the opposite of 开机 (turning on). It implies a full shutdown, not just sleep mode.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb-object phrase. You can say 我要关机了 when your battery is dying. You can also use it as a command. Flight attendants will ask you to 请关机 before takeoff. It is simple, direct, and very common. Use it whenever a screen goes black.
When To Use It
Use it at the cinema before the movie starts. Use it in a high-stakes business meeting. It is perfect for when you want to disconnect. If your phone is glitching, tell your friend you need to 关机 and restart. It works in both digital and physical contexts. Even car engines can technically be 'shut down' this way.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for lights or faucets. For those, just use 关 (close). Don't use it for 'closing' a physical book or a door. It specifically requires a 'machine' (机). If you are just putting your phone to sleep, use 锁屏 (lock screen). Using 关机 implies the power is totally cut off.
Cultural Background
In China, 'phone culture' is intense and always-on. Saying you are going to 关机 is a big statement. It often means you are 'off the grid' or resting. During the Lunar New Year, some people 关机 to truly escape work. It is a symbol of reclaiming your private time. It is also a common excuse for missing a call!
Common Variations
You will often hear 手机关机了. This means the phone is already off. People also say 自动关机 for when a device dies unexpectedly. If you are frustrated, you might say 死机 (frozen/blue screen). But 关机 remains the polite, standard term for a deliberate shutdown.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and works across all levels of formality. Just ensure you are referring to an electronic device with a 'system' (phone, laptop, tablet) rather than a simple switch-operated item.
The 'Restart' Combo
If you want to say 'restart', use `关机重启` (guānjī chóngqǐ). It's the most common way to describe fixing a tech glitch.
Don't 'Close' the Light
Remember, `关机` is only for machines. If you want to turn off a light, just say `关灯` (guāndēng). Using `关机` for a lightbulb will sound very strange!
The Polite Disappearance
In China, if someone says their phone `关机了` (guānjī le), it's often a polite way to end a conversation or explain why they didn't reply to a WeChat message for hours.
Examples
6起飞前请大家关机。
Please shut down your devices before takeoff.
A standard announcement you will hear on every flight.
我的手机没电关机了。
My phone ran out of power and shut down.
Commonly used when your battery hits 0%.
电影要开始了，快关机吧。
The movie is starting, hurry and turn off your phone.
A friendly reminder to a companion.
电脑太慢了，我想关机重启。
The computer is too slow, I want to shut down and restart.
The classic IT solution.
我不开心，我要关机睡觉！
I'm unhappy, I'm turning off my phone and going to sleep!
Using the phrase to show you are cutting off communication.
图书馆里请关机或者静音。
Please turn off your phone or put it on silent in the library.
Standard social etiquette.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a dead battery.
我的手机没电了，自动___了。
‘关机’ is used for electronic devices, while ‘关门’ is for doors and ‘开机’ is to turn on.
The flight attendant is asking you to turn off your laptop.
请把你的电脑___。
While '关掉' (turn off) works, '关机' is the most specific and common term for computers.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '关机'
Telling a friend your phone died.
没电关机了。
Standard everyday usage.
我要关机了。
Official announcements or instructions.
请各位关机。
When to say '关机'
Airplane Takeoff
请关机
Low Battery
自动关机
Movie Theater
电影院关机
Computer Fix
关机重启
Practice Bank
2 exercises我的手机没电了，自动___了。
‘关机’ is used for electronic devices, while ‘关门’ is for doors and ‘开机’ is to turn on.
请把你的电脑___。
While '关掉' (turn off) works, '关机' is the most specific and common term for computers.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can, but 关电视 is more common. 关机 is usually reserved for devices with complex operating systems like phones or PCs.
The opposite is 开机 (kāijī), which means to turn on or boot up a device.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, a flight attendant, or your best friend without changing the word.
Technically yes, for 'shutting down the engine', but most people say 熄火 (xīhuǒ) for cars.
No, it means a full power-off. For sleep mode, you would say 待机 (dàijī).
You can say 我的手机没电关机了 (Wǒ de shǒujī méidiàn guānjī le).
In context, yes. If you are holding a phone, you can say 把它关了 (turn it off), but 关机 is more precise.
That is called 死机 (sǐjī), literally 'dead machine'. You usually have to 强制关机 (force shutdown) then.
Not really, but 玩消失 (playing disappearance) is sometimes used when someone intentionally turns off their phone to avoid people.
No, for simple appliances, just use 关 or 关掉. 机 implies a more 'intelligent' machine.
Related Phrases
开机
To turn on a device
重启
To restart
没电了
Out of battery
死机
To freeze / system crash
待机
Standby / sleep mode
