Meanings of 包
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About 包
Podcast: 包
Podcast: 包
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AI Study Notes for 包
包 (bāo) vs 裹 (guǒ) — use 包 for general wrapping or covering, while 裹 specifically denotes wrapping tightly.
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.
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
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Etymology of 包
Pictograph of an unborn baby contained inside its mother.
To swaddle 勹 a baby 巳; 勹 also provides the pronunciation
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 包
Pictograph of an unborn baby contained inside its mother.
- 1The giveawayTo swaddle 勹 a baby 巳; 勹 also provides the pronunciation
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 包? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 包
Identify the Components
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How to say package in Chinese
“package” in Chinese is包
The character 包 (bāo) primarily means 'to wrap' or 'to cover' something. It is commonly used in contexts involving packaging, such as wrapping food or items, and can also refer to holding or including something within a larger context. Additionally, it has a range of meanings including 'to take charge of' or 'to contract for services', making it versatile in both everyday language and formal situations.
When to use 包
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.
包 or something close to it
包 (bāo) vs 裹 (guǒ) — use 包 for general wrapping or covering, while 裹 specifically denotes wrapping tightly.
What learners get wrong
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).
Write 包
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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 15 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)
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).
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