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褓 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
bǎoswaddling cloth; infancyi, 14 strokes, radical 衤, Very Hard
bǎo(bao3) T3
  1. 1swaddling cloth; infancy
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

(緥)bǎo(bao3)

The character 褓 (bǎo) refers to a swaddling cloth used for infants. It signifies the early stages of life, often associated with care and nurturing of babies. This term is less commonly used in modern Mandarin but may still appear in historical or literary contexts.

Strokes14RadicalFrequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, swaddling was a common practice to soothe infants and ensure their safety. This method is still valued in various child-rearing practices today, reflecting a deep concern for children's well-being.

Memory Tip

Imagine a baby wrapped snugly in a soft, cozy blanket; this image helps you remember 褓 (bǎo) as it relates to swaddling. The character's components include '衣' (clothing) which indicates its connection to fabric and comfort.

Meanings of 褓

bǎo(bao3)
1swaddling cloth; infancy
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 褓

Simplified
Traditional
14Strokes
Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 褓

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AI Study Notes for 褓

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a baby wrapped snugly in a soft, cozy blanket; this image helps you remember 褓 (bǎo) as it relates to swaddling. The character's components include '衣' (clothing) which indicates its connection to fabric and comfort.

Usage Notes

While 褓 (bǎo) is a more literary or historical term, learners may confuse it with similar words related to infants. It is important to note that 褓 is not commonly used in everyday conversation today. Use it in contexts discussing traditional child-rearing practices or literature.

HSK Study Tips

Although 褓 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to topics surrounding early childhood care. Students might also explore related words like 婴儿 (yīng'ér - infant) and 抱 (bào - to hold), which often appear in HSK materials.

Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, swaddling was a common practice to soothe infants and ensure their safety. This method is still valued in various child-rearing practices today, reflecting a deep concern for children's well-being.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 褓 (bǎo) with the more common clothes-related terms. For instance, saying '我需要一个褓' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè bǎo - I need a cloth) is incorrect; instead, use '我需要一件衣服' (Wǒ xūyào yī jiàn yīfú - I need a piece of clothing).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 褓

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Etymology of 褓

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

A cloth 衤 used to protect 保 an infant; 保 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 褓?

Decomposition of 褓

IDS Structure⿰衤保
Full Character
=
yi1
left
Bao3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 褓?

Write 褓

Practice writing 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 褓

褓 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

把你刚出生的孩子用襁____包裹住,这样她会有安全感。

Swaddle your newborn baby so that she feels secure.

Example Sentences for 褓 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
把你刚出生的孩子用襁褓包裹住,这样她会有安全感。

bǎ nǐ gāng chū shēng de hái zǐ yòng qiǎng bǎo bāo guǒ zhù, , zhè yàng tā huì yǒu ān quán。

Swaddle your newborn baby so that she feels secure.

Cultural Notes for 褓

🏮Cultural insight

In traditional Chinese culture, swaddling was a common practice to soothe infants and ensure their safety. This method is still valued in various child-rearing practices today, reflecting a deep concern for children's well-being.

Word Family of 褓

Words Containing This Character2
襁褓infancy
bǎovariant of 褓[bǎo]
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 襁褓 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 褓

No, 褓 is considered a literary or historical term and is rarely used in contemporary conversation.