勹
The 勹 radical
To wrap, enclose
Memory hook
A person bending to wrap their arms around something. It always curls from the top down the right side: 包 (to wrap), 勺 (ladle), 匀 (even).
The 勹 radical (read bāo) means to wrap, enclose. The HSK 3.0 data contains 6 characters and 27 words built on it — learning them together is far faster than one character at a time.
Practise the 勹 radical
Study this radical's 27 words with flashcards or a quiz.
The free plan drills 15 words per radical. Upgrade to Premium
Characters with the 勹 radical
6 charactersHSK 1· 1 characters
HSK 1包
to wrap
HSK 6· 1 characters
HSK 6勺
spoon
HSK 7-9· 4 characters
HSK 7-9勾
to hook, to crook (to pull back with the fingers or a sharp object)
勿
do not, must not
匀
even, balanced
匆
hurried; in a rush
Vocabulary with the 勹 radical
27 wordsWords containing at least one character with the 勹 radical, ordered by HSK level.
The free plan shows 9 words per HSK level (24/27 words of this radical).
schoolbag, backpack
to wrap
steamed bun
wallet, purse
bread
leather bag; leather briefcase
to contain, to include
to include
package, parcel
red envelope, bonus
to surround, to encircle
packaging, wrapping
to pack, to take away
backpack, shoulder bag
spoon
to hook, to crook (to pull back with the fingers or a sharp object)
to sketch, to outline
to collude, to conspire
do not, must not
to tolerate; to forgive
to bandage; to wrap up
cloth bundle; wrapped package
hurried, hasty
hurried, hasty
Why learn vocabulary by the 勹 radical?
The 勹 radical hints at the meaning to wrap, enclose. When you meet an unfamiliar character carrying it, you already know part of its meaning before reaching for a dictionary — which is why learners who know their radicals move faster.
How to study: read the memory hook, skim the 6 characters to spot the pattern, then drill the 27 words with flashcards. Spaced repetition brings each word back exactly when you need it.