Meanings of 包
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 包
Podcast: 包
Podcast: 包
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 包
包 (bāo) vs 裹 (guǒ) — use 包 for general wrapping or covering, while 裹 specifically denotes wrapping tightly.
Think of 包 (bāo) as a cozy blanket that wraps around you, keeping you safe and warm. The character resembles a bag that envelops its contents, much like how you would wrap a gift. You can imagine the sound 'bāo' as the sound of a big hug, where you 'wrap' your arms around someone.
A common mistake is confusing 包 (bāo) with 包括 (bāokuò), which means 'to include'. While both involve the idea of encompassing, 包 focuses more on the action of wrapping or covering. Be mindful of tone, as 'bāo' (first tone) versus 'bào' (fourth tone) changes the meaning significantly.
As an HSK level 3 word, 包 (bāo) connects well with other vocabulary related to daily activities, particularly those involving food and packaging. Students should focus on using it in practical sentences, such as '我想要一个包子' (I want a bun) to reinforce its meaning.
In Chinese culture, packaging is often tied to the concept of gift-giving, where beautifully wrapped items symbolize good wishes and respect. The act of wrapping food, like dumplings or buns, is also a traditional practice that reflects care and thoughtfulness.
Learners often confuse 包 with the similar-sounding 抱 (bào), which means 'to hold' or 'to embrace'. An incorrect sentence would be '我想包孩子' (I want to wrap the child), where the correct term should be 抱 (bào).
Pronunciation of 包
Drill the tone of 包 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 包
Pictograph of an unborn baby contained inside its mother.
To swaddle 勹 a baby 巳; 勹 also provides the pronunciation
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 包?
Decomposition of 包
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 包?
Write 包
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 包 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 包
包 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 17 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.
Complete the Sentence
他吃面____。
He eats bread.
Example Sentences for 包 (10)
Cultural Notes for 包
In Chinese culture, packaging is often tied to the concept of gift-giving, where beautifully wrapped items symbolize good wishes and respect. The act of wrapping food, like dumplings or buns, is also a traditional practice that reflects care and thoughtfulness.
Word Family of 包
Compound Meaning
What does 抱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 包
Common phrases include 包子 (bāozi, steamed bun) and 包裹 (bāoguǒ, parcel).