Learn a Chinese Character - 闷

1. Character Basics

Radical: 门 (mén) - Door radical

Stroke Count: 7 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: mēn (First tone); mèn (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Stuffy; oppressive; close; boring; depressed; sullen

4. Common Words

• 闷热 (mēnrè) - Stuffy and hot
• 闷气 (mēnqì) - Stuffy air; pent-up anger
• 闷死 (mēnsǐ) - To suffocate; to be bored to death
• 闷闷不乐 (mènmènbúlè) - Depressed; sullen
• 闷声 (mēnshēng) - Muffled sound; silent
• 闷头 (mēntóu) - Without speaking; silently
• 闷葫芦 (mènhúlú) - Silent person; mystery
• 闷罐子 (mēnguànzi) - Airtight container; introverted person

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "闷" has two main pronunciations and uses. As "mēn" (first tone), it primarily means "stuffy" or "oppressive," often describing air or weather. As "mèn" (fourth tone), it means "depressed" or "sullen," describing a person's mood. It is often used in compound words and phrases to describe states of being or environments.

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the concept of "闷" reflects the traditional emphasis on emotional expression and environmental comfort. Phrases like "闷闷不乐" (mènmènbúlè) describing a depressed state are commonly used in daily communication. Traditional Chinese medicine also recognizes the impact of "闷" (stagnant energy) on health, emphasizing the importance of ventilation and emotional release.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "闷" consists of "门" (mén, door) on the outside and "心" (xīn, heart) on the inside. You can remember it as "a heart behind a closed door," which can represent either a stuffy room (physically) or a person with pent-up emotions (mentally). The two pronunciations correspond to these two meanings.