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March 24, 2026
封锁(封鎖)fēngsuǒ(feng1suo3)
封锁 (fēngsuǒ) refers to the act of blocking off an area or restricting access, often used in military or security contexts. It can also apply to situations where information or resources are being restricted. This term is commonly used in discussions about public safety, politics, or travel restrictions.
Frequency#3269DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In contemporary China, 封锁 has been prominently used in discussions surrounding public health measures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when cities were locked down to prevent the spread of the virus.
Memory Tip
Imagine a '封' (fēng) envelope sealing off a '锁' (suǒ) lock, preventing anyone from getting in or out. Visualize a locked door with a big envelope stamped 'CONFIDENTIAL' to remember that封锁 means to seal off or blockade.
Meanings of 封锁
fēngsuǒ(feng1suo3)
1to blockade
2to seal off
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About 封锁
封锁Simplified
封鎖Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3269Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 封锁
Podcast: 封锁
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AI Study Notes for 封锁
Quick Contrast
封闭 (fēngbì) refers to closing off something completely, often implying a more permanent state than 封锁, which suggests a temporary blockage or restriction.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a '封' (fēng) envelope sealing off a '锁' (suǒ) lock, preventing anyone from getting in or out. Visualize a locked door with a big envelope stamped 'CONFIDENTIAL' to remember that封锁 means to seal off or blockade.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 封锁 with similar terms like 封闭 (fēngbì), which means to close off or shut down in a more general sense. This term is more formal and is often used in written contexts, especially in news reports. Be cautious with tones; a mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 level word, 封锁 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to security and restrictions, such as 限制 (xiànzhì, to limit) and 封闭 (fēngbì, to close off). Focus on understanding its application in legal and political contexts.
Cultural Note
In contemporary China, 封锁 has been prominently used in discussions surrounding public health measures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when cities were locked down to prevent the spread of the virus.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 封锁 when referring to casual closures, like closing a business for the day. Instead, use 关闭 (guānbì) for that context. For example, saying '商店封锁' should be corrected to '商店关闭'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 封锁
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Grammar Patterns of 封锁
封锁 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The captain decided to withhold the terrible news even from his officers.
4
所有逃跑的路都被武警封锁了。
suǒ yǒu táo pǎo de lù dū bèi wǔ jǐng fēng suǒ le。
All escape routes were blocked by armed police.
Cultural Notes for 封锁
🏮Cultural insight
In contemporary China, 封锁 has been prominently used in discussions surrounding public health measures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when cities were locked down to prevent the spread of the virus.
Frequently Asked Questions about 封锁
封锁 refers specifically to blocking access or movement, often in a security context, while 封闭 is a more general term for closing off or shutting down.
It is more formal and typically used in written or serious contexts, so it's best reserved for discussions about security or restrictions.
It generally carries a negative connotation, as it implies restriction and limitation.
