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包含 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
包含bāohánto containHSK 5, v, 12 strokes, rank #6600, Hard
包含bāohánto embodyHSK 5, v, 12 strokes, rank #6600, Hard
包含bāohánto includeHSK 5, v, 12 strokes, rank #6600, Hard
bāohán(bao1han2)bao han T1
  1. 1to contain
  2. 2to embody
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March 24, 2026

包含bāohán(bao1han2)

包含 (bāo hán) means 'to contain' or 'to include'. It is commonly used to express that something encompasses various elements or components, indicating that these elements are part of a whole. This word is often found in contexts such as discussions about concepts, categories, or physical objects that have multiple parts.

Strokes12Frequency#6600DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese philosophy, the concept of 包含 reflects the idea of harmony and interconnectedness, where different elements are seen as being part of a greater whole. This is evident in various teachings, such as Confucianism, which emphasizes inclusivity and balance.

Memory tip

Think of 包 (bāo), which means 'to wrap', combined with 含 (hán), which means 'to contain'. Imagine wrapping a gift (包) that contains (含) different items inside. This visual of wrapping and containing helps link the sound and meaning.

Meanings of 包含

bāohán(bao1han2)
1to contain
2to embody
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 包含

包含Simplified
12Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#6600Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 包含

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Podcast: 包含

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AI study notes for 包含

Quick Contrast

包含 (bāo hán) vs 包括 (bāo kuò) — use 包含 when emphasizing the internal components of a whole, while 包括 implies a broader inclusion or listing of items.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 包含 with other similar words like 包括 (bāo kuò), which specifically means 'to include' in a more list-like sense. 包含 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is often more suitable for academic or descriptive language. Ensure correct tone usage, as mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, 包含 connects well with other vocabulary related to inclusion and composition. Focus on using it in sentences that describe concepts or categories to enhance your understanding of its practical applications.

Common Mistakes

A frequent mistake is using 包含 inappropriately in contexts where 包括 is more suitable. For example, saying '这本书包含三章' (This book contains three chapters) should be '这本书包括三章' as it specifically lists the chapters.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 包含

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Component characters

包bāopackage
HSK 25 strokes勹
View full entry
含hánto keep
HSK 57 strokes口
View full entry

How to say to contain in Chinese

“to contain” in Chinese is包含bāohán

包含 (bāo hán) means 'to contain' or 'to include'. It is commonly used to express that something encompasses various elements or components, indicating that these elements are part of a whole. This word is often found in contexts such as discussions about concepts, categories, or physical objects that have multiple parts.

When to use 包含

Be careful not to confuse 包含 with other similar words like 包括 (bāo kuò), which specifically means 'to include' in a more list-like sense. 包含 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is often more suitable for academic or descriptive language. Ensure correct tone usage, as mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning.

包含 or something close to it

包含 (bāo hán) vs 包括 (bāo kuò) — use 包含 when emphasizing the internal components of a whole, while 包括 implies a broader inclusion or listing of items.

What learners get wrong

A frequent mistake is using 包含 inappropriately in contexts where 包括 is more suitable. For example, saying '这本书包含三章' (This book contains three chapters) should be '这本书包括三章' as it specifically lists the chapters.

Write 包含

包
含

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Grammar patterns of 包含

包含 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这两张唱片还____了布里顿两首不甚知名的声乐套曲。

The two discs also contain two of Britten's lesser-known song-cycles.

Example sentences for 包含 (8)

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1
这两张唱片还包含了布里顿两首不甚知名的声乐套曲。

zhè liǎng zhāng chàngpiàn hái bāohán le bù lǐ dùn liǎng shǒu bù shén zhīmíng de shēng lè tào qǔ。

The two discs also contain two of Britten's lesser-known song-cycles.
2
菜单每周都有变化,通常包含可供严格的素食者选择的菜肴。

càidān měi zhōu dōu yǒu biànhuà, tōngcháng bāohán kě gōng yángé de sùshí zhě xuǎnzé de càiyáo。

The menu changes weekly and usually includes a vegan option.
3
做三道菜的一餐就能包含烹饪的所有乐趣。

zuò sān dào cài de yī cān jiù néng bāohán pēngrèn de suǒyǒu lèqù。

A three course dinner completes the culinary delights.
4
包含钙的秋葵, 也有助于抵抗胃炎症.

bāohán gài de Qiū kuí, yě yǒuzhùyú dǐkàng wèi yánzhèng.

Okra, which also contains calcium an aid in reducing stomach inflammations.
5
伞菌目:担子菌纲的一目,包含蘑菇和伞菌等.

sǎn jūn mù: dànzi jūn gāng de yī mù, bāohán mógu hé sǎn jūn děng.

Agaricales ( agarics ) An order of basidiomycetes that contains the mushrooms and toadstools.
6
饮食包含在该价格内。

yǐnshí bāohán zài gāi jiàgé nèi。

Food is included in the price.
7
要几份书面报价,仔细查对费用中包含的内容.

yào jǐ fèn shūmiàn bào jià, zǐxì chá duì fèiyong zhōng bāohán de nèiróng.

Get several written quotations and check exactly what's included in the cost.
8
她的迟钝, 尽管显而易见, 却不惹嫌,因为其中并不包含骄矜自负的成份.

tā de chídùn, jǐnguǎn xiǎn’éryìjiàn, què bù rě xián, yīnwèi qízhōng bìng bù bāohán jiāo jīn zìfù de chéng fèn.

Her folly, though evident, was not disgusting because it was not conceited.

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Frequently asked questions about 包含

包含 emphasizes the idea of containing or embodying various elements, while 包括 specifically refers to inclusion or listing items.

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