Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
包围(包圍)bāowéi(bao1wei2)
The verb 包围 (bāo wèi) means to surround or encircle something. It is commonly used in both physical and metaphorical contexts, such as describing a military encirclement or the feeling of being surrounded by emotions. The nuance suggests a comprehensive enclosure, often implying a sense of confinement or restriction.
Frequency#3700DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, military strategies often involved encirclement tactics, which are reflected in the term 包围. This word is also used in contemporary discussions about social and emotional situations, highlighting the importance of feeling enclosed or trapped in various aspects of life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a protective '包' (bāo) or bag that '围' (wéi) encircles something precious inside it. Visualize the bag wrapping tightly around various valuable items, representing the action of surrounding them completely, which links to the pronunciation 'bāo wèi'.
Meanings of 包围
bāowéi(bao1wei2)
1to surround
2to encircle
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 包围
包围Simplified
包圍Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3700Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 包围
Podcast: 包围
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 包围
Quick Contrast
围绕 (wéi rào) - use 包围 when emphasizing a complete enclosure, while 围绕 suggests circling around something without full confinement.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a protective '包' (bāo) or bag that '围' (wéi) encircles something precious inside it. Visualize the bag wrapping tightly around various valuable items, representing the action of surrounding them completely, which links to the pronunciation 'bāo wèi'.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with tone; using the incorrect tone can change the meaning of the word entirely. 包围 is typically used in more formal contexts, such as military or strategic discussions. Common collocations include '包围圈' (surrounding circle) and '被包围' (to be surrounded).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 包围 connects well with other verbs describing actions, especially in contexts involving control or influence. Focus on mastering its usage in both literal and figurative language, considering its potential in idiomatic expressions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, military strategies often involved encirclement tactics, which are reflected in the term 包围. This word is also used in contemporary discussions about social and emotional situations, highlighting the importance of feeling enclosed or trapped in various aspects of life.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 包围 with 围绕 (wéi rào), as they both mean to encircle. However, 包围 suggests a more complete enclosure and can imply a sense of being trapped, while 围绕 is often used in a looser context. For example, saying '我被围绕' (wǒ bèi wéi rào) instead of '我被包围' (wǒ bèi bāo wèi) can lead to misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 包围
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 包围 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 包围 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 包围
包围 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 3 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.
More than one hundred police have ringed the area.
3
敌人包围过来时,他们只剩下五个人了.
dí rén bāo wéi guò lái shí, , tā mén zhī shèng xià wǔ gè rén.
There were only five people left when the enemy closed in.
4
到11月22日，第六军被包围了。
dào11 1122 yuè， 22 rì ， dì liù jūn bèi。
By 22nd November the Sixth Army was encircled.
5
叛军包围了该市的近陆地区。
pàn jūn bāo wéi le gāi shì de jìn lù dì qū。
Rebels surrounded the city's landward sides.
6
卫兵包围了该市的一所别墅后便发生了枪战。
wèi bīng bāo wéi le gāi shì de yī suǒ bié shù hòu biàn fā shēng le qiāng zhàn。
Shooting broke out after the guards surrounded a villa in the city.
7
数百名的崇拜者包围了这位著名作家.
shù bǎi míng de chóng bài zhě bāo wéi le zhè wèi zhù míng zuò jiā.
Hundreds of admirers besieged the famous writer.
8
兵营被高墙包围着.
bīng yíng bèi gāo qiáng bāo wéi zháo.
The barracks was surrounded by a high wall.
9
我们刚驶过海角就被陆地包围了.
wǒ mén gāng shǐ guò hǎi jiǎo jiù bèi lù dì bāo wéi le.
Scarcely had we passed the heads before the land closed around us.
10
她那廉价香水甜腻熏人的气味一下子包围了他。
tā nà lián jià xiāng shuǐ tián nì xūn rén de qì wèi yī xià zǐ bāo wéi le tā。
Her cheap, cloying scent enveloped him.
Cultural Notes for 包围
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, military strategies often involved encirclement tactics, which are reflected in the term 包围. This word is also used in contemporary discussions about social and emotional situations, highlighting the importance of feeling enclosed or trapped in various aspects of life.
Frequently Asked Questions about 包围
Yes, 包围 can describe emotional or psychological states, such as feeling surrounded by stress or obligations.
It is often used in military contexts, but can also apply to discussions about social situations or problems.
Yes, synonyms include 围绕 (wéi rào) which also means to encircle, but can imply a more gentle or non-confrontational approach.
