"cover" or "conceal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 23)
unknown, 2 strokes, radical 匸, Very Hard
xì(xi4) T4
1box
2"cover" or "conceal" radical in Chinese characters (Kangxi radical 23)
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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Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
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
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About 匸
匸Simplified
2Strokes
匸Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 匸
Podcast: 匸
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AI Study Notes for 匸
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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).
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.
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
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Cultural Notes for 匸
🏮Cultural insight
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.
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.
Common characters include '隐' (yǐn) meaning 'to hide' and '匿' (nì) meaning 'to conceal.'
