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匣 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
匣xiácase, coffer, small boxn, 7 strokes, radical 匚, rank #26558, Very Hard
匣xiáboxunknown, 7 strokes, radical 匚, rank #26558, Very Hard
xiá(xia2)xia T2
  1. 1case, coffer, small box
  2. 2box
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March 24, 2026

匣xiá(xia2)

The character '匣' (xiá) refers to a case, coffer, or small box used for storage. It often implies a decorative or specialized container, such as those used for jewelry or precious items. In Chinese literature and art, '匣' can represent both physical storage and metaphorical concepts of safeguarding or preserving valuable ideas.

Strokes7Radical匚Frequency#26558DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, decorative boxes (匣) are often used during traditional ceremonies, such as weddings, to hold gifts or important items, symbolizing respect and care for the recipient.

Memory Tip

Imagine a small, ornate box (匣) where you keep your treasures safe. The character looks like a box with a lid, symbolizing something precious inside. The pronunciation 'xiá' sounds like 'shah,' which can remind you of a 'shah' guarding his jewels in a treasure box.

Meanings of 匣

xiá(xia2)
1case, coffer, small box
2box
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 匣

匣Simplified
7Strokes
匚Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 匣

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Podcast: 匣

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AI Study Notes for 匣

Quick Contrast

盒 (hé, box) — use 匣 for decorative or specialized cases, while 盒 is more general for any box.

Usage Notes

When using '匣,' ensure it is in contexts related to storage or decoration, as it may sound odd when referring to ordinary containers. It is usually more formal than casual terms for 'box' (箱 xiāng). Be cautious of tone; '匣' is pronounced with a rising tone, which can be confused with '下' (xià) meaning 'down.'

HSK Study Tips

Though '匣' is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects with other HSK words that denote objects and storage, like '箱' (xiāng, box) and '盒' (hé, case). Focus on recognizing its use in literature and historical contexts as you expand your vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '匣' with '盒' (hé, box), leading to incorrect usage in casual contexts. For example, saying '买一个匣' (buy a box) instead of '买一个盒' is incorrect, as '匣' is more specific and formal.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 匣

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Etymology of 匣

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory Hint

box

Semantic (meaning)匚
+
Phonetic (sound)甲
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

匣 = 匚 + 甲. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 匣

IDS Structure⿷匚甲
匣Full Character
=
匚fang1
enclosing
甲jia3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 匣?

How to say case, coffer, small box in Chinese

“case, coffer, small box” in Chinese is匣xiá

The character '匣' (xiá) refers to a case, coffer, or small box used for storage. It often implies a decorative or specialized container, such as those used for jewelry or precious items. In Chinese literature and art, '匣' can represent both physical storage and metaphorical concepts of safeguarding or preserving valuable ideas.

When to use 匣

When using '匣,' ensure it is in contexts related to storage or decoration, as it may sound odd when referring to ordinary containers. It is usually more formal than casual terms for 'box' (箱 xiāng). Be cautious of tone; '匣' is pronounced with a rising tone, which can be confused with '下' (xià) meaning 'down.'

匣 or something close to it

盒 (hé, box) — use 匣 for decorative or specialized cases, while 盒 is more general for any box.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '匣' with '盒' (hé, box), leading to incorrect usage in casual contexts. For example, saying '买一个匣' (buy a box) instead of '买一个盒' is incorrect, as '匣' is more specific and formal.

Write 匣

匣

Practice writing 匣 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 匣

Words Containing This Character5
匣xiábox
黑匣子(airplane) black box
弹匣magazine (for ammunition)彈匣
话匣子chatterbox話匣子
匣子small box
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 匣

What does 黑匣子 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 匣

You might find '匣' in words like '香匣' (xiāngxiá), meaning 'fragrant box,' or '文匣' (wénxiá), which refers to a case for literary works.

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