Meaning
The kanji 封 (fū) has several interconnected core meanings, primarily revolving around "to seal," "to close off," "enclosure," and extending to "feudal domain" or "to confer land/title." Essentially, it signifies the act of securing something, marking a boundary, or preventing access.
Its origin is a phono-semantic compound. The left part, 丰 (fēng), is an ancient character that could depict a bundle of grass or a boundary marker. It provides both a phonetic hint and a semantic suggestion of a border or something being gathered. The right part, 寸 (cùn), is the radical for "inch" but often represents a "hand" or a "measurement" in kanji. Together, these elements visually represent a hand (寸) sealing or demarcating something (丰). Think of applying a stamp to a document or marking a piece of land. This visual connection to sealing or enclosing led to its extended meaning of a "feudal domain." These territories were essentially "sealed off" or demarcated parcels of land granted by a lord, or the act of conferring such land.
So, when you encounter 封, picture a hand securing or defining a space. This kanji has 9 strokes and is a Joyo kanji. You'll typically encounter it at the JLPT N2 level, sometimes categorized as an advanced Grade 8 kanji for learners beyond elementary school.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi readings for 封 are primarily フウ (FŪ) and also ホウ (HŌ). フウ (FŪ) is more common, especially in compounds related to sealing and enclosures. ホウ (HŌ) is used when the kanji relates to historical feudal systems or conferring land.
- 封筒 (fūtō) — envelope
This is one of the most common words, directly referring to a container used for sealing letters.
- 封鎖 (fūsa) — blockade, sealing off
Used when an area is closed off, often by military or official action, like a port or a road.
- 封建 (hōken) — feudalism, feudal system
Refers to the historical socio-economic system of feudalism, connecting to the kanji's meaning of conferring land.
- 開封 (kaifū) — opening (an envelope, package)
The act of breaking a seal to open something. (開 means to open).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main kun'yomi reading for 封 is ふうじる (fūjiru). This verb means "to seal," "to close off," "to prohibit," or "to suppress." It is often used when an action is taken to prevent something from happening or continuing.
- 封じる (fūjiru) — to seal, to close off, to prohibit, to suppress
This is the verb form of the kanji, directly expressing the action of sealing or blocking.
- 言葉を封じる (kotoba wo fūjiru) — to silence someone, to seal off words
Used figuratively to mean preventing someone from speaking or expressing themselves.
- 動きを封じる (ugoki wo fūjiru) — to restrict movement, to seal off movement
Used to describe the act of limiting or stopping someone's or something's ability to move.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 封 appears in many useful compounds, reflecting its diverse meanings related to sealing, enclosure, and historical systems. Here are some categorized examples:
Actions & Processes of Sealing/Closing
- 密封 (mippū) — airtight seal, hermetic sealing
Describes a very tight seal, often to protect contents from air or moisture.
- 同封 (dōfū) — enclosing (in a letter/package)
The act of putting something inside an envelope or package along with the main item.
- 厳封 (genpū) — strict sealing
Indicates that something has been sealed very carefully and securely, often with official importance.
封入 (fūnyū) — enclosing, sealing in Similar to 同封, but often refers to the general act of placing something inside and sealing it.
封じ込め (fūjikome) — containment, bottling up
Refers to the act of containing or suppressing something, like an outbreak or a crisis.
Objects & Containers
- 封筒 (fūtō) — envelope
The most common item associated with sealing, used for sending letters or documents.
- 封書 (fūsho) — sealed letter
A letter that has been sealed in an envelope, as opposed to a postcard.
Political & Historical Terms
- 封建制度 (hōken seido) — feudal system
A system where land is exchanged for service or labor, reflecting the 'feudal domain' meaning.
- 封土 (hōdo) — feudal domain, fief
The actual territory or land granted under a feudal system.
- 封禄 (fūroku) — feudal stipend, granted income
The income or allowance granted by a lord, often in the form of rice or land produce.
Other Usage
- 封切り (fūkiri) — first showing (of a film), opening (a bottle for the first time)
Refers to the initial public release, like opening a sealed package for the first time.
- 封印 (fūin) — seal, sealing, keeping secret
A literal or figurative seal, often used for official documents, magical spells, or to keep something hidden.
Example Sentences
手紙を封筒に入れて、しっかり封をした。
Tegami wo fūtō ni irete, shikkari fū wo shita.
I put the letter in the envelope and sealed it securely.
その事件の真相は、まだ闇に封じられている。
Sono jiken no shinsō wa, mada yami ni fūjirarete iru.
The truth of that incident is still shrouded in darkness (sealed in darkness).
港は軍によって封鎖され、船は出入できなかった。
Minato wa gun ni yotte fūsa sare, fune wa deiri dekinakatta.
The port was blockaded by the military, and ships could not enter or leave.
機密書類は厳重に密封され、金庫に保管されている。
Kimitsu shorui wa genjū ni mippū sare, kinko ni hokansarete iru.
The confidential documents are hermetically sealed and stored in a safe.
昔は日本にも封建制度がありました。
Mukashi wa Nihon ni mo hōken seido ga arimashita.
In ancient times, Japan also had a feudal system.
この手紙は開封厳禁です。
Kono tegami wa kaifū genkin desu.
This letter must not be opened (opening strictly forbidden).
彼女は悲しみを心の中に封じ込めた。
Kanojo wa kanashimi wo kokoro no naka ni fūjikometa.
She sealed her sorrow deep within her heart.
新しい映画の封切を楽しみにしています。
Atarashii eiga no fūkiri wo tanoshimi ni shite imasu.
I'm looking forward to the first showing of the new movie.
重要な情報が書かれた封書が届きました。
Jūyō na jōhō ga kakareta fūsho ga todokimashita.
A sealed letter containing important information arrived.
政府はテロリストの活動を封じるために厳重な措置を取った。
Seifu wa terorisuto no katsudō wo fūjiru tame ni genjū na sochi wo totta.
The government took strict measures to suppress terrorist activities.
Memory Tip
To remember 封, visualize its components: the left side 丰 (which resembles a sprout or bundle) and the right side 寸 (representing an inch or, more abstractly, a hand). Imagine holding a bundle of important documents (丰) and using your hand (寸) to apply a wax seal, thereby sealing the papers. This visual connection between the hand sealing a bundle will help you recall the core meaning of "to seal" or "enclosure."