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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The character (mén) primarily means "door" or "gate," referring to the physical entrance or exit of buildings, vehicles, or ships. It is commonly used in everyday contexts when talking about closing or opening doors, entrances to homes, or city gates.

Extended Meanings

Besides the literal meaning, also refers to a "branch" or "field" of study or skill, such as in (field of study) or 武术 (martial arts school). This figurative use is common in academic or professional contexts.

Common Collocations

  • (ménkǒu): entrance or doorway, often used to describe a location near a door.
  • (guān mén): to close the door, used literally and metaphorically (e.g., closing a business).
  • (kāi mén): to open the door.
  • (yì mén kè): a course or subject in school.

Usage Notes

When using to refer to a course or field, it often pairs with classifiers like (measure word for subjects). In daily conversation, is almost always understood as a physical door unless context indicates otherwise. Avoid confusing with similar words like (hù), which means household or family.

Tone and Register

is a neutral, common word suitable for all registers, from casual to formal speech.

Example Sentences

Please close the door, it's a bit cold outside.

There are many flowers planted at his house's entrance.

Which course are you taking?

The city gate of this town is very ancient.

He learned many skills in the martial arts school.