How to Write 罂 (yīng) — Meaning “long-necked jar”

Imagine a pottery jar with a very long neck that looks like the letter "Y" (as in yīng). The left side 缶 is a simple jar shape, and the right side 賏 looks like two stacked jars or two necks, reminding you of a long-necked container.

Write the left radical 缶 first with 6 strokes: a left-falling stroke, then three horizontals, a vertical-horizontal turn, and a final vertical. The right part 賏 has two 贝 (shell) stacked; make sure the top 贝 is slightly smaller and the whole right side is balanced next to the left radical.

The most common word is 罂粟 (yīng sù), meaning poppy, especially the opium poppy. Other words include 罂瓶 (yīng píng, a jar or vase) and 陶罂 (táo yīng, a pottery jar), which are used in historical or literary contexts.

罂 is very rare in everyday conversation. It appears mainly in botanical terms like 罂粟 (poppy) or in classical references to ancient jars. Because 罂粟 is linked to opium, the character carries a serious or negative tone in modern Chinese culture.

Common words containing 罂 include: 罂粟 (yīng sù) — poppy; 罂瓶 (yīng píng) — jar / vase; 陶罂 (táo yīng) — pottery jar or jug.