Definition
闭关 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to close the border' or 'to seclude oneself'. The two syllables can split: you can insert 了, 过, or duration between 闭 and 关, e.g., 闭了三个月的关 ('secluded for three months'). The literal sense refers to a country closing its borders (historically, 闭关锁国 'closed-door policy'), while the figurative sense means withdrawing from society for meditation, study, or personal retreat. In modern usage it can also describe self-isolation.
v.o.
to close the border (of a country)to seclude oneselfto go into retreat
Examples
- ，。Tā zài shān lǐ bì le sān gè yuè de guān, zhuānxīn xiě shū.He secluded himself in the mountains for three months, focusing on writing a book.
- 闭关。Lìshǐ shàng zhège guójiā céngjīng shíxíng guò bì guān zhèngcè.Historically, this country once implemented a closed-border policy.
- 闭关，。Tā juédìng bì guān yí gè yuè, bù jiē diànhuà yě bú jiàn rén.He decided to go into retreat for a month, not answering calls or seeing anyone.
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