信封
xìn fēng HSK 4

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

我买了一个信封。
Wǒ mǎi le yī gè xìnfēng.
I bought an envelope.
信在信封里。
Xìn zài xìnfēng lǐ.
The letter is in the envelope.
这个信封很漂亮。
Zhè gè xìnfēng hěn piàoliang.
This envelope is very beautiful.
我买了一个信封。
Wǒ mǎi le yī gè xìnfēng.
I bought an envelope.
信封是白色的。
Xìnfēng shì báisè de.
The envelope is white.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 信 (xìn) means 'letter' or 'trust,' and 封 (fēng) means 'to seal' or 'to close.' Think of it as 'sealing a letter' to remember it's an envelope. You can also associate it with the action of putting a letter inside and sealing it shut.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in tone and used in both formal and informal contexts, as well as in spoken and written Chinese. Common contexts include postal services, office work, and personal correspondence, such as sending letters or official documents.

📖 Grammar Points

信封 is typically used as a noun and can be modified by adjectives (e.g., 大信封 - big envelope) or measure words (e.g., 一个信封 - one envelope). It often appears in prepositional phrases like 在信封里 (in the envelope) or as an object in sentences involving mailing actions.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, envelopes are also culturally significant during holidays or events like Chinese New Year, where red envelopes (红包 - hóngbāo) are used to give money as gifts. However, 信封 generally refers to standard mailing envelopes unless specified otherwise.

🔄 Similar Words

信 (xìn) means 'letter' or 'mail' and refers to the written content itself, while 信封 specifically means the envelope that contains it. 邮件 (yóujiàn) is a broader term for 'mail' or 'postal item,' which can include envelopes, packages, or electronic messages.

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