radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 22), occurring in 区, 医, 匹 etc
unknown, 2 strokes, radical 匚, Very Hard
fāng(fang1) T1
1box; basket
2radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 22), occurring in 区, 医, 匹 etc
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March 24, 2026
匚fāng(fang1)
The character 匚 (fāng) primarily represents the concept of a 'box' or 'basket.' It is often used as a radical in various Chinese characters, contributing to their meanings related to containment or enclosure. This radical is found in characters like 区 (qū, area) and 医 (yī, medicine).
Strokes2Radical匚Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a box or container can symbolize safety and security, often associated with the idea of storing valuables or secrets. Boxes are also significant in gift-giving customs, where the presentation involves beautifully wrapped boxes.
Memory Tip
Imagine a box (匚) filled with treasures. The character looks like a simple, open box, suggesting it contains something valuable inside. To remember 'fāng,' think of the phrase 'find a box'—the sound 'fāng' is phonetically similar to 'find.'
Meanings of 匚
fāng(fang1)
1box; basket
2radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 22), occurring in 区, 医, 匹 etc
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 匚
匚Simplified
2Strokes
匚Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 匚
Podcast: 匚
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AI Study Notes for 匚
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a box (匚) filled with treasures. The character looks like a simple, open box, suggesting it contains something valuable inside. To remember 'fāng,' think of the phrase 'find a box'—the sound 'fāng' is phonetically similar to 'find.'
Usage Notes
While 匚 itself is a basic character, learners should be careful not to confuse it with similar radicals or characters. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, often appearing in written language. Be mindful of the tone; 'fāng' (first tone) must not be pronounced as 'fang' (fourth tone).
HSK Study Tips
Although not part of the HSK vocabulary list, understanding 匚 can help learners recognize and analyze characters that use this radical. Focus on identifying other characters that incorporate it, as this can enhance your reading comprehension and character recognition skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of a box or container can symbolize safety and security, often associated with the idea of storing valuables or secrets. Boxes are also significant in gift-giving customs, where the presentation involves beautifully wrapped boxes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 匚 as 'fang' (fourth tone) instead of 'fāng' (first tone). Additionally, some may confuse it with similar radicals, such as 区 (qū), leading to misinterpretation in written texts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 匚
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Cultural Notes for 匚
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of a box or container can symbolize safety and security, often associated with the idea of storing valuables or secrets. Boxes are also significant in gift-giving customs, where the presentation involves beautifully wrapped boxes.
Word Family of 匚
Words Containing This Character1
匚fāng"right open box" radical (Kangxi radical 22), occurring in 区, 医, 匹 etc
Exercise 1 of 1
Compound Meaning
What does 匚 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 匚
The radical 匚 often denotes something that is contained or enclosed, which can relate to various meanings in characters that incorporate it, such as area or medical concepts.
No, 匚 is primarily a radical and not commonly used on its own in conversation; however, it appears in many important characters.
While 匚 represents the general idea of a box, it is mainly recognized as a radical and not used independently to describe all types of boxes.