How to Write 箢 (yuān) — Meaning “bamboo basket”

Imagine a bamboo plant (竹) bending into a curved basket like the letter "U" — that curve is 宛. Picture yourself scooping up rice with a small woven basket to remember 箢 means "basket".

The top part 竹 should be written narrow and compact, with the left and right halves balanced. The bottom 宛 must be centered under 竹, not too wide, and its last stroke (a hook) should be smooth. A common mistake is making the bottom too big, making the character top-heavy.

筀 (guì) is a rare character for a bamboo tool, while 筅 (xiǎn) means a bamboo brush. Visually, 箢 contains 宛 (curved), 筀 contains 圭 (jade tablet), and 筅 contains 先 (first). In meaning, 箢 is for carrying or scooping, 筄 is for brushing, and 筀 is rarely used today.

箢 is not in the HSK list and is most often seen in dialect or rural contexts, especially in southern China. Common words like 箢箕 (yuān jī) refer to a bamboo dustpan or scoop used for grain or trash. It carries a traditional, folk-culture feel, often associated with farming or household chores.

Common words containing 箢 include: 箢箕 (yuān jī) — bamboo scoop/dustpan; 箢子 (yuān zi) — bamboo scoop; 小箢箕 (xiǎo yuān jī) — Small wicker basket.