Definitions

xiāng (noun) box; chest; trunk

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. ⺮ represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 箱, denoting a box or chest, derives from a phono-semantic composition combining the bamboo radical with the phonetic element 相, indicating its historical link to containers constructed from bamboo materials. Its structure has persisted without major alteration, and the semantic emphasis on bamboo gradually faded as the term came to refer to boxes made from other substances as well. The meaning expanded over time to include any receptacle or compartment for storage, evident in its usage within compound words that specify different kinds of boxes, from traditional crates to modern devices. The phonetic component continues to provide the sound xiang, while the character's core concept of an enclosed space has remained stable throughout its linguistic history.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一个子。

Zhè shì yīgè xiāngzi.

This is a box.

行李在门口。

Xínglǐxiāng zài ménkǒu.

The suitcase is at the door.

请打开那个纸

Qǐng dǎkāi nàgè zhǐxiāng.

Please open that cardboard box.

她把礼物放进珠宝

Tā bǎ lǐwù fàng jìn zhūbǎo xiāng.

She put the gift into the jewelry box.

这个工具里工具很全。

Zhège gōngjù xiāng lǐ gōngjù hěn quán.

The tools in this toolbox are very complete.

他把珍藏的照片锁在铁里。

Tā bǎ zhēncáng de zhàopiàn suǒ zài tiě xiāng lǐ.

He locked the treasured photos in the iron box.

运输货时需要小心轻放。

Yùnshū huòxiāng shí xūyào xiǎoxīn qīng fàng.

When transporting cargo containers, handle with care.

这款冰的智能控制系统非常先进。

Zhè kuǎn bīngxiāng de zhìnéng kòngzhì xìtǒng fēichāng xiānjìn.

The intelligent control system of this refrigerator is very advanced.