Learn a Chinese Character - 盒 (Hé - Box; case)

1. Character Basics

Radical: 皿/mǐn (dish/vessel) + 合/hé (close)

Stroke Count: 11 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Hé (Second tone)

3. Meaning

To be filled

4. Common Words

• 盒子 (hé zi) - Box; case

  这是一个漂亮的盒子。 (Zhè shì yī gè piàoliang de hézi.) - This is a beautiful box.

• 礼盒 (lǐ hé) - Gift box

  我买了一个礼盒送给妈妈。 (Wǒ mǎile yī gè lǐhé sònggěi māmā.) - I bought a gift box for my mom.

• 文具盒 (wén jù hé) - Stationery box

  请把铅笔放进文具盒里。 (Qǐng bǎ qiānbǐ fàngjìn wénjùhé lǐ.) - Please put the pencil in the stationery box.

• 纸盒 (zhǐ hé) - Paper box

  这个纸盒可以回收利用。 (Zhège zhǐhé kěyǐ huíshōu lìyòng.) - This paper box can be recycled.

• 饭盒 (fàn hé) - Lunch box

  我每天带饭盒去上班。 (Wǒ měitiān dài fànhé qù shàngbān.) - I bring a lunch box to work every day.

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Noun

Usage:

• Used to refer to various types of containers with lids

  这个盒子里有什么？ (Zhège hézi lǐ yǒu shénme?) - What's in this box?

• Often combined with other characters to specify the type of container

  铅笔盒、首饰盒、糖果盒都是不同类型的盒子。 (Qiānbǐhé, shǒushìhé, tángguǒhé dōu shì bùtóng lèixíng de hézi.) - Pencil boxes, jewelry boxes, and candy boxes are all different types of boxes.

Common Structures:

• 名词 + 盒: Specific type of box (铅笔盒 - pencil box)
• 盒 + 名词: Box for something (盒饼干 - box of cookies)
• 数量词 + 盒: Quantifying boxes (一个盒 - one box)

Notes: "盒" is usually used for containers with lids that can be closed. For containers without lids, other words like "碗" (bowl) or "盘" (plate) are more appropriate.

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, the concept of "盒" (box) has both practical and symbolic meanings. Boxes have been used for storing valuables, food, and important documents for thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese boxes are often beautifully crafted with intricate designs, using materials like wood, jade, bamboo, and lacquer. These boxes were not only functional but also works of art, reflecting Chinese aesthetic values.

In Chinese weddings, a "礼盒" (gift box) plays an important role in gift exchange between families. During festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival, mooncakes are traditionally presented in decorative boxes.

The character "盒" itself combines "合" (close) and "皿" (vessel), perfectly representing its function as a container that can be closed.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

1. Structure Memory: Remember that "盒" consists of "合" (close) and "皿" (vessel). Think of a vessel that can be closed - that's a box.
2. Image Association: Visualize a box with a lid that can be opened and closed. This helps connect the character to its meaning.
3. Common Objects: Associate "盒" with everyday objects like pencil boxes, lunch boxes, and gift boxes.
4. Stroke Order Practice: Practice writing the character following the correct stroke order: 撇、捺、横、横、竖、横、竖、横折、竖、竖、横.
5. Word Formation: Learn compound words containing "盒" such as "盒子", "礼盒", and "文具盒" to reinforce your memory of the character.