guānshàng: 关上 - To Close, To Shut

• Keywords: guanshang, 关上, guan shang, to close in Chinese, to shut in Chinese, Chinese resultative verb, 关上 grammar, close the door in Chinese, 关 vs 关上, HSK 2 vocabulary.
• Summary: Learn how to use “关上” (guānshàng), a fundamental Chinese verb meaning “to close” or “to shut.” This page breaks down the characters 关 and 上, explaining how they form a resultative verb that emphasizes the completed action of closing something, like a door, window, or book. Discover practical examples, cultural nuances, and common mistakes to master this essential HSK 2 word.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): guānshàng
• Part of Speech: Verb (Resultative Verb Compound)
• HSK Level: HSK 2
• Concise Definition: To close something so that it is shut.
• In a Nutshell: `关上` (guānshàng) is more than just “to close”; it means “to close *shut*.” The character `关` (guān) provides the action of closing, while `上` (shàng) is a “result complement” that confirms the action was successfully completed. Think of it as the difference between the *process* of closing a door and the final *result* of the door being firmly shut.

• 关 (guān): The primary meaning of this character is “to close,” “to shut,” or “a gate.” You can picture the character as a gate `门` with a bar `一` across it, securing it.
• 上 (shàng): While its most common meaning is “up” or “on,” here it functions as a resultative complement. In this context, it signifies that the two parts of something have come together (like two sides of a door meeting the frame, or the covers of a book coming together), completing the action.
• Together, `关` (action: to close) + `上` (result: shut/together) create the specific meaning of successfully closing an object.

While `关上` is a very practical, everyday word, the act of closing things, especially doors, has subtle social implications in China. In many homes or traditional office environments, an open door can signal a welcoming atmosphere, an invitation to talk, or a way to improve air circulation. Closing a door, or using `关上门` (guānshàng mén), can be a very clear signal that you desire privacy, do not wish to be disturbed, or are having a private conversation. Compared to Western culture, where a closed door is often the default for offices or bedrooms, the choice to actively `关上` a door in China can sometimes carry a slightly stronger message of separation. Of course, this is highly contextual. In cold weather, asking someone to `关上窗户` (guānshàng chuānghu) is simply a practical request for comfort, not a social statement.

`关上` is used constantly in daily conversation. It's the standard, neutral way to talk about closing physical objects that can be shut.

• In the Home: You'll use it to ask family members to close doors, windows, and drawers.
• At Work/School: It's used for closing books, laptops, and meeting room doors.
• Formality: The term itself is neutral. Politeness is added with words like `请` (qǐng - please) or a softer tone of voice. For example, `请关上门` (Qǐng guānshàng mén) is a polite request. A direct `关上门!` (Guānshàng mén!) is a command.

• Example 1:
  • 外面太冷了，请把窗户关上。
  • Pinyin: Wàimiàn tài lěng le, qǐng bǎ chuānghu guānshàng.
  • English: It's too cold outside, please close the window.
  • Analysis: A very common and polite request using the `把 (bǎ)` structure to emphasize the action's effect on the object (the window).
• Example 2:
  • 他走的时候没有关上门。
  • Pinyin: Tā zǒu de shíhòu méiyǒu guānshàng mén.
  • English: He didn't close the door when he left.
  • Analysis: This highlights a past action that was not completed. The door was left open.
• Example 3:
  • 你可以帮我关上电脑吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ guānshàng diànnǎo ma?
  • English: Can you help me shut down the computer?
  • Analysis: Note that for electronics, `关 (guān)` is often sufficient (e.g., `关电脑`), but `关上` can be used, especially for laptops, emphasizing the physical act of closing the lid.
• Example 4:
  • 上课了，请大家把书关上。
  • Pinyin: Shàngkè le, qǐng dàjiā bǎ shū guānshàng.
  • English: Class is starting, everyone please close your books.
  • Analysis: A typical instruction from a teacher. `合上 (héshàng)` is also very common for books.
• Example 5:
  • 我听见他轻轻地把门关上了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ tīngjiàn tā qīngqīng de bǎ mén guānshàng le.
  • English: I heard him gently close the door.
  • Analysis: Shows `关上` can be modified by adverbs like `轻轻地` (qīngqīng de - gently). The `了 (le)` indicates the action is complete.
• Example 6:
  • 睡觉前，别忘了关上所有的灯。
  • Pinyin: Shuìjiào qián, bié wàngle guānshàng suǒyǒu de dēng.
  • English: Before you go to sleep, don't forget to turn off all the lights.
  • Analysis: While `关灯 (guān dēng)` is the most common way to say “turn off the light,” `关上` can be used to emphasize ensuring they are all completely off.
• Example 7:
  • 把盒子关上，不然东西会掉出来。
  • Pinyin: Bǎ hézi guānshàng, bùrán dōngxi huì diào chūlái.
  • English: Close the box, otherwise the things will fall out.
  • Analysis: A practical command showing cause and effect.
• Example 8:
  • 他一句话也没说，就把电话关上了。
  • Pinyin: Tā yí jù huà yě méi shuō, jiù bǎ diànhuà guānshàng le.
  • English: He didn't say a word, just hung up the phone.
  • Analysis: Here, `关上电话` is a colloquial way to say “hang up the phone” or more accurately, “turn off the phone,” ending the call. `挂断 (guàduàn)` is more specific for hanging up.
• Example 9:
  • 你为什么把窗帘都关上了？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ wèishéme bǎ chuānglián dōu guānshàng le?
  • English: Why did you close all the curtains?
  • Analysis: Shows that `关上` can be used for things like curtains, although `拉上 (lāshàng)` (to pull shut) is also very common.
• Example 10:
  • 请把你的嘴关上！
  • Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ nǐ de zuǐ guānshàng!
  • English: Please shut your mouth!
  • Analysis: This is a very direct and rude command. While grammatically correct, it should be used with extreme caution. `闭上 (bìshàng)` is more standard for “close your mouth.”

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between `关 (guān)` and `关上 (guānshàng)`.

• `关 (guān)` vs. `关上 (guānshàng)`:
  • `关 (guān)` is the action of closing. It doesn't guarantee the result.
    • Example: `他正在关门。(Tā zhèngzài guān mén.)` - He is in the process of closing the door. (The door might still be ajar).
  • `关上 (guānshàng)` is the action + result. It means the door is now shut.
    • Example: `他把门关上了。(Tā bǎ mén guānshàng le.)` - He closed the door (and it is now shut).
• Mistake: Using it for Businesses:
  • You cannot say a store `关上` for the day. The correct term is `关门 (guānmén)`.
  • Incorrect: `那个商店晚上九点关上。`
  • Correct: `那个商店晚上九点关门。(Nàge shāngdiàn wǎnshàng jiǔ diǎn guānmén.)` - That store closes at 9 PM.
• False Friends: “Close” vs. “关上”
  • In English, we might say “Close the program.” In Chinese, you would typically use `关闭 (guānbì)` for software or applications. While `关上` might be understood for a computer (as in shutting it down), `关闭` is more precise for programs, files, or connections.

• 开 (kāi) - The direct antonym: “to open.”
• 打开 (dǎkāi) - The resultative equivalent of `开`. It means “to open” successfully. It is the perfect opposite of `关上`.
• 关 (guān) - The base verb, simply indicating the action of closing without guaranteeing the result.
• 关门 (guānmén) - Lit. “to close a door.” Used specifically for a business closing for the day or closing down permanently.
• 关闭 (guānbì) - A more formal or technical term for “to close,” “to shut,” or “to shut down.” Used for factories, websites, accounts, or software programs.
• 合上 (héshàng) - A very close synonym. It strongly implies two parts coming together. It's often interchangeable with `关上` for books (`合上书`), mouths (`合上嘴`), and eyes (`合上眼睛`), but less common for doors or windows.
• 关灯 (guān dēng) - The set phrase for “to turn off the light.”