盒
hé · HSK 5
small box
📦 盒 hé = 合 (close/join) + 皿 (vessel) — a vessel that closes shut
The radical 皿 means a dish or vessel, and 合 means to join or close. Together: a closable container — a small box or case. The 合 also lends the hé reading.
盒 — lid 亼 (cover) + 皿 (vessel)
盒 depicts a covered container: 亼 on top represents a lid coming together, while 皿 below shows a dish or vessel. Together they form the meaning 'box' or 'small case with a lid.' The character is semantic in structure, with 合 also hinting at the sound by suggesting things joining or closing.