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March 24, 2026
拥抱(擁抱)yōngbào(yong1bao4)
拥抱 (yǒng bào) means 'to embrace' or 'to hug.' It is commonly used to describe the physical act of wrapping one's arms around someone in affection or comfort, as well as metaphorically to indicate acceptance or support of ideas or values. The term conveys warmth, intimacy, and connection between individuals.
Frequency#2483DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, physical touch, such as hugging, is often reserved for close relationships, and it may not be as common in public as in some Western cultures. However, during significant events like family reunions or celebrations, embracing can symbolize warmth and unity.
Memory Tip
Imagine two people in a warm embrace, their arms forming a circle that 'holds' them together. The character 拥 (yǒng) looks like a person with arms outstretched (the top part) ready to hug, while 抱 (bào) suggests the act of wrapping around. Together, they create a vivid picture of a heartfelt hug.
Meanings of 拥抱
yōngbào(yong1bao4)
1to embrace
2to hug
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 拥抱
拥抱Simplified
擁抱Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2483Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 拥抱
Podcast: 拥抱
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AI Study Notes for 拥抱
Quick Contrast
抱 (bào) - use 拥抱 when emphasizing warmth and connection in the embrace, while 抱 is more neutral and can refer to holding or carrying.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two people in a warm embrace, their arms forming a circle that 'holds' them together. The character 拥 (yǒng) looks like a person with arms outstretched (the top part) ready to hug, while 抱 (bào) suggests the act of wrapping around. Together, they create a vivid picture of a heartfelt hug.
Usage Notes
Be careful with the tone when using 拥抱, as the first tone (yǒng) and fourth tone (bào) are essential for correct pronunciation. This term is typically used in informal contexts but can also be appropriate in more emotional or poetic settings. Common collocations include '拥抱梦想' (embrace dreams) and '拥抱变化' (embrace change).
HSK Study Tips
As a HSK Level 5 word, 拥抱 connects well with other terms related to emotions and relationships, such as 爱 (love) and 友情 (friendship). Students should focus on using it in sentences that express feelings and connections with others to enhance their conversational skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, physical touch, such as hugging, is often reserved for close relationships, and it may not be as common in public as in some Western cultures. However, during significant events like family reunions or celebrations, embracing can symbolize warmth and unity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 拥抱 with 抱 (bào) alone, which means 'to hold' but lacks the sense of an embrace. For example, saying '我抱他' (I hug him) is correct, but omitting 拥 (yǒng) can lose the emotional nuance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拥抱
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Grammar Patterns of 拥抱
拥抱 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
她张开双臂，紧紧地____了我。
She opened her arms and gave me a big hug.
Example Sentences for 拥抱 (10)
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1
她张开双臂，紧紧地拥抱了我。
tā zhāng kāi shuāng bì， ， jǐn jǐn dì yōng bào le。
She opened her arms and gave me a big hug.
2
她走上前拥抱他并轻抚他凌乱的白发。
tā zǒu shàng qián yōng bào tā bìng qīng fǔ tā líng luàn de bái fā。
She walked forward and embraced him and stroked his tousled white hair.
From now on, I'm gonna say yes--yes to love, yes to adventure, yes to life, whatever it maybe, the answer's going to be yes.
6
他高兴地笑着拥抱了她。
tā gāo xīng dì xiào zháo yōng bào le tā。
He smiled radiantly and embraced her.
7
佩内洛普走上前拥抱了她妹妹。
pèi nèi luò pǔ zǒu shàng qián yōng bào le tā mèi mèi。
Penelope came forward and embraced her sister.
8
他拥抱着她，她则依偎在他的怀里。
tā yōng bào zháo tā， ， tā zé yī wēi zài tā de huái。
He hugged her and she nestled against his chest.
9
学生们拥抱了他,把他举到空中.
xué shēng mén yōng bào le tā, , bǎ tā jǔ dào kōng.
The students embraced him and lifted him into the air.
10
他们在一座桥下面拥抱接吻。
tā mén zài yī zuò qiáo xià miàn yōng bào jiē wěn。
They were snogging under a bridge.
Cultural Notes for 拥抱
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, physical touch, such as hugging, is often reserved for close relationships, and it may not be as common in public as in some Western cultures. However, during significant events like family reunions or celebrations, embracing can symbolize warmth and unity.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While hugging is a common expression of affection in Western cultures, in China, it may be less frequently practiced, especially among acquaintances, making it a more intimate gesture reserved for close friends or family.
Frequently Asked Questions about 拥抱
Generally, 拥抱 is more informal and used among friends or loved ones, but it can be appropriate in emotionally charged situations.
Yes, 拥抱 can be used metaphorically to describe embracing concepts or changes, such as '拥抱新思想' (embracing new ideas).
Make sure to pronounce 拥 with a high tone (yǒng) and 抱 with a falling tone (bào) to convey the correct meaning.
