凵
contributes the sense of an open-topped container or hollow pit that something sits in or comes out of · Kangxi radical 17
contributes the sense of an open-topped container or hollow pit that something sits in or comes out of
凵 was drawn as a simple open box — two upright walls and a floor, with nothing across the top — picturing a shallow tray, basket, or a pit dug in the ground. The modern three strokes keep that picture exactly: you can still see the open mouth in 凶 (a pit with a mark in it) and in 函 and 凼, where something is held inside the hollow. In many other characters 凵 is only a shape that appeared as the writing was simplified — the bottom of 出, 山, 齿 and 画 was never a container — so treat it as a container clue only when something is clearly enclosed.
凵 at a glance
- Meaning
- contributes the sense of an open-topped container or hollow pit that something sits in or comes out of
- Strokes
- 2
- Characters
- 12
- Role
- Contributes meaning
- Kangxi radical
- 17
Characters with 凵 (10 of 12)
HSK 5 · 1
HSK 6 · 2
Frequently asked questions
What does the component 凵 mean?
凵 means "contributes the sense of an open-topped container or hollow pit that something sits in or comes out of". In the characters that contain it, it contributes meaning.
How many Chinese characters contain 凵?
12 characters in this dictionary contain 凵, including ones at HSK 1, HSK 3, HSK 5, HSK 6.
Is 凵 a radical?
Yes — 凵 is Kangxi radical 17, one of the 214 traditional indexing radicals used to organise Chinese dictionaries.
How many strokes does 凵 have?
凵 is written in 2 strokes.