How to Write 钵 (bō) — Meaning “alms bowl / bowl”

Imagine a simple, basic (本) bowl made of metal (钅) — it is your "metal root" for eating. This visual connects the radical to the idea of a basic utensil.

Write the left radical 钅 first (5 strokes: short left-slant, horizontal, horizontal, vertical hook, horizontal). Then write 本 on the right (5 strokes: horizontal, vertical, left-falling, right-falling, horizontal). A common mistake is to write the top of 本 as 木 without the extra horizontal stroke — make sure you include that top horizontal line.

All three characters share the metal radical 钅, but their right parts differ completely. 钵 (bō) means "alms bowl" with right part 本. 钍 (tǔ) is the element thorium, with right part 土 (earth). 钎 (qiān) is a drill rod, with right part 千 (thousand). Their appearances and meanings are distinct.

钵 appears in Buddhist contexts for "alms bowl" (饭钵) and in the common word 钵子 for any small bowl or pot. A cultural note: the phrase 衣钵 (yī bō) refers to a master's mantle and bowl passed to a disciple, meaning a legacy or tradition handed down.

Common words containing 钵 include: 饭钵 (fàn bō) — alms bowl; rice bowl; 钵子 (bō zi) — bowl / earthenware pot; 衣钵 (yī bō) — Mantle / Legacy.