匚
The 匚 radical
Box opening to the right
Memory hook
A square container with its mouth to the right, wrapping whatever sits inside: 匠 (craftsman) is an axe kept in the toolbox.
The 匚 radical (read fāng) means box opening to the right. The HSK 3.0 data contains 2 characters and 3 words built on it — learning them together is far faster than one character at a time.
Practise the 匚 radical
Practise the 2 characters carrying the 匚 radical in correct stroke order: watch, trace, then write from memory.
Characters with the 匚 radical
2 charactersHSK 7-9· 2 characters
HSK 7-9匠
craftsman, skilled worker
匪
bandit; brigand
Vocabulary with the 匚 radical
3 wordsWords containing at least one character with the 匚 radical, ordered by HSK level.
to have original ideas, distinctly creative
bandit, brigand
carpenter
At least 4 words are needed to practise.
Why learn vocabulary by the 匚 radical?
The 匚 radical hints at the meaning box opening to the right. 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 2 characters to spot the pattern, then drill the 3 words with flashcards. Spaced repetition brings each word back exactly when you need it.