📘 Intermediate — key word for HSK 3-4
Meaning
Classifier for letters, emails, and sealed documents.
🏮 Cultural Story
中文 Chinese
"封"这个量词和"信"简直是天生一对。从古代的"鸿雁传书"到现在的电子邮件，"一封信"、"一封邮件"——沟通的方式变了，但量词没变。"封"的本义是"封口"、"密封"，所以"一封信"就是"一个封好了的信件"。古人写信写好后会用火漆封口，现在我们点"发送"按钮其实也是在"封"一封电子信。有趣的是，"封"也可以用于某些抽象事物，如"一封推荐信"——把对你的评价"封装"在一封信里。
English
**封 (fēng)** and "letter" are a perfect pair. From ancient "wild goose letters" to modern email, "a letter," "an email" — communication methods change, but the classifier stays. 封 originally meant "seal/close," so "a letter" = "a sealed letter." Ancient letters were sealed with wax; clicking "send" today is electronically sealing. Also used abstractly: "a letter of recommendation" — encapsulating an evaluation in one sealed document.
💡 Memory Tip
Specifically for sealed/written correspondence. Think 'an envelope of'.
Examples
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Classifier for letters, emails, and sealed documents.