Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
匸 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
匸xìboxx, 2 strokes, radical 匸
匸xì"cover" or "conceal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 23)unknown, 2 strokes, radical 匸
xì(xi4) T4
  1. 1box
  2. 2"cover" or "conceal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 23)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

匸xì(xi4)

The character 匸 (xì) signifies a 'box' or a 'container.' It is often used as a radical in other characters, indicating concepts related to covering or concealing, such as in the character '隐' (yǐn), meaning 'to hide.' Its usage is primarily in more complex characters rather than as a standalone word.

Strokes2Radical匸
Cultural Note

The concept of concealment in Chinese culture is often linked to ideas of modesty and subtlety, reflected in literary traditions where hidden meanings or messages play a significant role.

Memory Tip

Imagine a treasure chest (a box) that is covered or concealed. The character 匸 looks like a box with an open top, suggesting something hidden inside. To remember the pronunciation 'xì,' think of 'see' the hidden treasures in the box.

Meanings of 匸

xì(xi4)
1box
2"cover" or "conceal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 23)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 匸

匸Simplified
2Strokes
匸Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 匸

JasonAmy

Podcast: 匸

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 匸

Usage Notes

As a radical, 匸 is not commonly used on its own in conversation, so learners may mistake it for a standalone word. It's important to recognize it in compound characters and understand its role as a concealing element. Be cautious with tone; 'xì' is pronounced with a falling tone.

HSK Study Tips

While not in the HSK curriculum, understanding 匸 can enhance comprehension of related characters at various levels. Students should focus on recognizing it in compound characters and associating it with meanings of concealment or covering, as seen in characters like '隐' (yǐn).

Common Mistakes

Learners might confuse 匸 with similar radicals like 匚 (fāng), which also relates to boxes but has different meanings. Remember, 匸 focuses on concealment, while 匚 is more about a box-like structure.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 匸

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 匸 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 匸

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 匸

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 匸? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.

How to say box in Chinese

“box” in Chinese is匸xì

The character 匸 (xì) signifies a 'box' or a 'container.' It is often used as a radical in other characters, indicating concepts related to covering or concealing, such as in the character '隐' (yǐn), meaning 'to hide.' Its usage is primarily in more complex characters rather than as a standalone word.

When to use 匸

As a radical, 匸 is not commonly used on its own in conversation, so learners may mistake it for a standalone word. It's important to recognize it in compound characters and understand its role as a concealing element. Be cautious with tone; 'xì' is pronounced with a falling tone.

What learners get wrong

Learners might confuse 匸 with similar radicals like 匚 (fāng), which also relates to boxes but has different meanings. Remember, 匸 focuses on concealment, while 匚 is more about a box-like structure.

Write 匸

匸

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 匸

Words Containing This Character1
匸xìsee also 匚[fāng]
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 匸 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 匸

No, it's primarily a radical and not commonly used as a standalone word.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 匸?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.