How to Write 匪 (fěi) — Meaning “bandit; robber”

Imagine a bandit (匪) with a box (匚) full of stolen goods, but the box has an 'X' (非) on it, meaning it's illegal or not allowed. This visual of a marked box of loot helps link the shape to the meaning of robber.

Write the radical 匚 first as a rectangular enclosure, then the inner component 非 with its two vertical lines and three horizontal strokes on each side. Be careful that the left side of 匚 does not close completely—it's open on the right—and the 非 inside is centered, not touching the top or bottom.

匪 means bandit, while 匦 (guǐ) is a rare character depicting a box for petitions, and 匧 (qiè) is an ancient term for a small box or chest. Visually, 匮 has the inner part 贵 (expensive), 匧 has 夹 (to clamp), but 匪 uses 非 (wrong), which directly hints at criminals.

匪 is used in words like 土匪 (tǔ fěi, local bandits) and 绑匪 (bǎng fěi, kidnapper), often in news or historical contexts. It carries a negative connotation and is not commonly used alone, but appears in formal or dramatic descriptions of outlaws.

Common words containing 匪 include: 土匪 (tǔ fěi) — Bandit; brigand; 匪徒 (fěi tú) — bandit; gangster; 绑匪 (bǎng fěi) — Kidnapper..