Han character 筟

A weaving implement with a second bamboo sense.

In loom vocabulary, 筟 names the narrow tube or bobbin used to wind weft thread—the crosswise thread woven through lengthwise threads.

The Shuowen Jiezi, an old Chinese character dictionary, defines it through 筳, another name for the implement. Later dictionary commentary groups 筟, 筳, and 筦 as names for one tool. Dictionaries also give it a second sense: the thin white membrane inside bamboo. Japanese kanji references list it as a rare character with the reading フ, approximately “fu,” and the same meanings.

How do I type 筟?

A Cangjie input method lists HBND; extended tables may list XHBND.

Cangjie is a shape-based Chinese input method: its letter codes build a character from component shapes. For 筟, reference tables list HBND; extended tables may list XHBND.

Is 筟 clear when sent by itself?

No; its intended sense needs a textile or bamboo cue.

The dictionary meanings point to two specific physical things: a thread-winding implement or bamboo’s inner membrane. In a casual message, surrounding words have to tell the reader which one is meant; otherwise it reads as an unfamiliar character.