How to Write 寄 (jì) — Meaning “to mail; to send”

Imagine you are at home (宀) preparing a strange or special package (奇 means strange) to send to someone. Picture writing "strange" on a box under your roof to help recall that 寄 means "to send" or "to mail."

Write the top radical 宀 as a wide roof covering the rest, starting with a dot then an angled line and hook. The lower part 奇 has a large 大 at top, then the right side 可, so keep the 大 narrow and the 可 balanced under the roof. Be careful not to make the 宀 too small or the lower part too tall.

寄 (jì) has the component 奇 underneath and means to send or mail. 客 (kè, guest) uses 各 (each) below the roof, meaning a visitor. 宣 (xuān, to declare) has a horizontal line under the roof instead of a complex component. Visually, look at the lower part: 奇 has a 大 and 可, while 客 has 各 and 宣 has a simple horizontal plus 日.

寄 is commonly used for sending letters (寄信) and packages (寄快递) in daily life. It also appears in phrases like 寄托, meaning to place hopes or feelings on someone or something, reflecting a cultural emphasis on emotional trust and entrusting. This character often appears in the context of postal services and emotional reliance.

Common words containing 寄 include: 寄信 (jì xìn) — to mail a letter; 寄快递 (jì kuài dì) — to send an express delivery; 寄托 (jì tuō) — to place (hope, etc.) on; to entrust.