Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
簋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
簋guǐbamboo basket for grainzg, 17 strokes, radical ⺮
簋guǐancient bronze food vessel with a round mouth and two or four handlesunknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮
簋guǐround basket of bamboounknown, 17 strokes, radical ⺮
guǐ(gui3) T3
  1. 1bamboo basket for grain
  2. 2ancient bronze food vessel with a round mouth and two or four handles
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

簋guǐ(gui3)

The character 簋 (guǐ) refers to a traditional bamboo basket used primarily for holding grains. Historically, it also denotes an ancient bronze food vessel characterized by its round mouth and handles, often used in ceremonial contexts. This word is less common in modern usage but is significant in discussions of ancient Chinese culture and artifacts.

Strokes17Radical⺮
Cultural Note

In ancient China, the 簋 was not only a practical item but also a symbol of ritualistic offerings, particularly during ancestor worship. It reflects the significance of food vessels in traditional Chinese ceremonies.

Memory Tip

Imagine a round bamboo basket (the shape of 簋) filled with grains. The character's round mouth suggests the opening of the basket, while the two or four handles could remind you of the way you might carry it. The sound 'guǐ' can be linked to the idea of a 'gui' (ghost) carrying grains to nourish the living, creating a vivid mental image.

Meanings of 簋

guǐ(gui3)
1bamboo basket for grain
2ancient bronze food vessel with a round mouth and two or four handles
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 簋

簋Simplified
17Strokes
⺮Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 簋

JasonAmy

Podcast: 簋

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 簋

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 簋 with similar characters due to its rarity and specific meanings. It is predominantly used in formal contexts, such as historical discussions or literature. Be cautious with tone; the third tone (guǐ) can be easily mispronounced as the second tone (guí), which changes the meaning entirely.

HSK Study Tips

Although 簋 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can enrich your knowledge of classical texts and cultural references. Focus on recognizing this character in historical contexts and connect it to other words related to containers or food.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce 簋, confusing it with similar-sounding words. For instance, saying 'guí' instead of 'guǐ' can lead to misunderstandings, as 'guí' means 'ghost'. Always practice the third tone to ensure accurate communication.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 簋

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 簋 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 簋

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A bamboo ⺮ basket 皿 used to store food 艮

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 簋

  1. 1The giveawayA bamboo ⺮ basket 皿 used to store food 艮
  2. 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 簋? 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 簋?

Decomposition of 簋

IDS Structure⿱⺮⿱艮皿
簋Full Character
=
⺮zhu2
top
艮gen3
top
皿min3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 簋?

How to say bamboo basket for grain in Chinese

“bamboo basket for grain” in Chinese is簋guǐ

The character 簋 (guǐ) refers to a traditional bamboo basket used primarily for holding grains. Historically, it also denotes an ancient bronze food vessel characterized by its round mouth and handles, often used in ceremonial contexts. This word is less common in modern usage but is significant in discussions of ancient Chinese culture and artifacts.

When to use 簋

Learners often confuse 簋 with similar characters due to its rarity and specific meanings. It is predominantly used in formal contexts, such as historical discussions or literature. Be cautious with tone; the third tone (guǐ) can be easily mispronounced as the second tone (guí), which changes the meaning entirely.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce 簋, confusing it with similar-sounding words. For instance, saying 'guí' instead of 'guǐ' can lead to misunderstandings, as 'guí' means 'ghost'. Always practice the third tone to ensure accurate communication.

Write 簋

簋

Practice writing 簋 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 簋

Words Containing This Character1
簋guǐround basket of bamboo
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 簋 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 簋

While 筐 refers to a basket or container for various items, 簋 specifically relates to a basket for grains or an ancient food vessel, emphasizing its use in historical and ceremonial contexts.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 簋?

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.