bai3 gwaan1 zi6 sau2閉關自守闭关自守

Jyutpingbai3 gwaan1 zi6 sau2

Yalebai gwāan jih sáu

動詞

Definition

To close the borders and defend oneself; to be conservative, self-isolated, or unwilling to engage with the outside world.

to close the borders and defend oneself
figurativeto be conservative, self-isolated, or closed off from new outside things

neutralpeopledescriptions

How it's used

Originally a historical term referring to a state closing its borders to foreign trade, it is now frequently used metaphorically to describe individuals or organizations that are resistant to change. It carries a negative connotation of being stubborn, outdated, or unnecessarily insular. Unlike simply being shy, it implies an active, deliberate rejection of external influence or new ideas.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日bai3閉gwaan1關zi6自sau2守，m4唔hang2肯teng1聽jan4人ji3意gin3見。

He is always closed-minded and refuses to listen to others' opinions.

gung1公si1司zoi3再gam3咁bai3閉gwaan1關zi6自sau2守，ci4遲zou2早wui2會bei6被tou4淘taai3汰。

If the company continues to be so isolated, it will be phased out sooner or later.

Common phrases

zing3政caak3策bai3閉gwaan1關zi6自sau2守

a policy of isolationism

sing3性gaak3格bai3閉gwaan1關zi6自sau2守

an insular personality

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal description of a physical door or gate, but it is almost exclusively used in abstract contexts regarding attitudes, policies, or corporate culture.