(qiè) - A small box, chest, or trunk, typically made

Tone 4

qiè | 15 strokes | radical:

· qiè

A small box, chest, or trunk, typically made of bamboo or wood, used for storing items like books, documents, or valuables.

A small box, chest, or trunk, typically made

Usage highlights

Book boxTraveling chestCase and hamperBox and chestLuggage and boxesBundle up a chest

Synonyms

  • box, chest, trunk
  • small box, casket
  • cabinet, cupboard

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He packed his books into a bamboo box (书篋).
  • The scholar carried a small chest (行篋) on his journey.
  • She kept her letters in a wooden case (篋笥).
  • The treasure was hidden in an old trunk (篋椟).

Collocations

  • Book box(书篋)
  • Traveling chest(行篋)
  • Case and hamper(篋笥)
  • Box and chest(篋椟)
  • Luggage and boxes(箱篋)
  • Bundle up a chest(束篋)

Idioms

  • To have a plan ready in one's box(篋中有策)
  • The story of the pearl in the box(买椟还珠)
  • To open a box and present a gift(开篋献珍)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally associated with scholars and literati for storing books, manuscripts, and writing implements.
  • Often made from bamboo, reflecting its practical use and humble, scholarly aesthetics.
  • Appears in classical texts and idioms related to knowledge, secrecy, and treasured possessions.

FAQ