HSK 7, n, 8 strokes, radical 凵, rank #17690, Very Hard
函
hán
envelope
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 凵, rank #17690, Very Hard
函
hán
case
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 凵, rank #17690, Very Hard
函
hán
letter
HSK 7, unknown, 8 strokes, radical 凵, rank #17690, Very Hard
hán(han2) T2
1correspondence; a case, a box
2envelope
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March 24, 2026
函hán(han2)
The character 函 (hán) primarily refers to correspondence or a letter, often in the context of written communication. It can also denote an envelope or a box used for holding items, indicating a sense of containment. This word is commonly used in formal settings when discussing letters and official documents.
Strokes8Radical凵Frequency#17690DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, sending letters was a crucial part of maintaining relationships, especially in formal or familial contexts. The use of 函 reflects the importance of written communication in Chinese history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a letter (函) being cradled in a box (the box is the character's outer shape). The 'h' in 'hán' can remind you of 'hand' delivering a letter, while the 'án' sounds like 'an envelope' that holds your correspondence.
Meanings of 函
hán(han2)
1correspondence; a case, a box
2envelope
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 函
函Simplified
8Strokes
凵Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7
Podcast: 函
Podcast: 函
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AI Study Notes for 函
Quick Contrast
信 (xìn) — use 函 (hán) for formal correspondence, while 信 (xìn) is more casual and can also mean 'trust' or 'letter' in a general sense.
Usage Notes
Be mindful to use 函 in formal contexts, as it might not be suitable for casual conversations about letters. Common collocations include '信函' (xìnhán - letter of correspondence) and '函件' (hánjiàn - correspondence item). A common mistake is confusing it with '信' (xìn), which specifically means a letter in a more casual sense.
HSK Study Tips
While 函 is not explicitly part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other words related to communication and documentation at beginner levels. Focus on associating it with related terms like '信' (xìn) and '邮件' (yóujiàn - email) to build a broader understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 函 with '信' (xìn) and use it interchangeably in casual contexts. For example, saying '我写了一函给他' ('I wrote a letter to him') is overly formal; instead, use '我写了一封信给他' ('I wrote a letter to him').
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 函
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2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 函? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 函?
Decomposition of 函
IDS Structure⿶凵⿻了？
函Full Character
=
凵qian3
enclosing
了le5
outer
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 函?
How to say correspondence; a case, a box in Chinese
“correspondence; a case, a box” in Chinese is函hán
The character 函 (hán) primarily refers to correspondence or a letter, often in the context of written communication. It can also denote an envelope or a box used for holding items, indicating a sense of containment. This word is commonly used in formal settings when discussing letters and official documents.
When to use 函
Be mindful to use 函 in formal contexts, as it might not be suitable for casual conversations about letters. Common collocations include '信函' (xìnhán - letter of correspondence) and '函件' (hánjiàn - correspondence item). A common mistake is confusing it with '信' (xìn), which specifically means a letter in a more casual sense.
函 or something close to it
信 (xìn) — use 函 (hán) for formal correspondence, while 信 (xìn) is more casual and can also mean 'trust' or 'letter' in a general sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 函 with '信' (xìn) and use it interchangeably in casual contexts. For example, saying '我写了一函给他' ('I wrote a letter to him') is overly formal; instead, use '我写了一封信给他' ('I wrote a letter to him').
Write 函
函
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Practice writing 函 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 函
函 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我未收到任何复____或答复。
I have received neither an acknowledgment nor a reply.
Example Sentences for 函 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
我未收到任何复函或答复。
wǒ wèi shōu dào rèn hé fù hán huò dá fù。
I have received neither an acknowledgment nor a reply.
2
请于今日将随函附上的捐款表格用所提供的邮资预付的信封寄回。
qǐng yú jīn rì jiāng suí hán fù shàng de juān kuǎn biǎo gé yòng suǒ tí gōng de yóu zī yù fù de xìn fēng jì huí。
Return the enclosed Donation Form today in the prepaid envelope provided.
