Meanings of 凵
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 凵
Podcast: 凵
Podcast: 凵
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 凵
While 凵 is not commonly used on its own in modern Mandarin, it appears in some compound words. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters that have different meanings or pronunciations, and remember that it is more often used in written or formal contexts.
Although 凵 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, its shape appears in many characters at various levels. Students should focus on recognizing it as a radical in compound characters and understanding its role in indicating receptacles, enhancing their reading comprehension skills.
Learners often confuse 凵 with similar-looking characters like 口 (kǒu), which means mouth or opening. It's important to remember that 凵 refers specifically to a type of container, while 口 has a different meaning.
Pronunciation of 凵
Drill the tone of 凵 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 凵
A tray
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 凵
- 1The giveawayA tray
- 2On the record aspictographic — someone drew the thing itself.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 凵? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 凵?
How to say container; receptacle in Chinese
“container; receptacle” in Chinese is凵
The character 凵 (qiǎn) represents a container or receptacle, often implying a hollow or open space. It can be used in various contexts, including describing physical objects that hold something or metaphorically referring to concepts that contain ideas or emotions.
When to use 凵
While 凵 is not commonly used on its own in modern Mandarin, it appears in some compound words. Be careful not to confuse it with similar characters that have different meanings or pronunciations, and remember that it is more often used in written or formal contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 凵 with similar-looking characters like 口 (kǒu), which means mouth or opening. It's important to remember that 凵 refers specifically to a type of container, while 口 has a different meaning.
Write 凵
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 凵 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 凵
Compound Meaning
What does 凵 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 凵
It means a container or receptacle.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 凵?
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.