Meanings of 拥抱
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Podcast: 拥抱
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AI Study Notes for 拥抱
抱 (bào) - use 拥抱 when emphasizing warmth and connection in the embrace, while 抱 is more neutral and can refer to holding or carrying.
Be careful with the tone when using 拥抱, as the first tone (yǒng) and fourth tone (bào) are essential for correct pronunciation. This term is typically used in informal contexts but can also be appropriate in more emotional or poetic settings. Common collocations include '拥抱梦想' (embrace dreams) and '拥抱变化' (embrace change).
As a HSK Level 5 word, 拥抱 connects well with other terms related to emotions and relationships, such as 爱 (love) and 友情 (friendship). Students should focus on using it in sentences that express feelings and connections with others to enhance their conversational skills.
Learners often confuse 拥抱 with 抱 (bào) alone, which means 'to hold' but lacks the sense of an embrace. For example, saying '我抱他' (I hug him) is correct, but omitting 拥 (yǒng) can lose the emotional nuance.
Pronunciation of 拥抱
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Component Characters
How to say to embrace in Chinese
“to embrace” in Chinese is拥抱
拥抱 (yǒng bào) means 'to embrace' or 'to hug.' It is commonly used to describe the physical act of wrapping one's arms around someone in affection or comfort, as well as metaphorically to indicate acceptance or support of ideas or values. The term conveys warmth, intimacy, and connection between individuals.
When to use 拥抱
Be careful with the tone when using 拥抱, as the first tone (yǒng) and fourth tone (bào) are essential for correct pronunciation. This term is typically used in informal contexts but can also be appropriate in more emotional or poetic settings. Common collocations include '拥抱梦想' (embrace dreams) and '拥抱变化' (embrace change).
拥抱 or something close to it
抱 (bào) - use 拥抱 when emphasizing warmth and connection in the embrace, while 抱 is more neutral and can refer to holding or carrying.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 拥抱 with 抱 (bào) alone, which means 'to hold' but lacks the sense of an embrace. For example, saying '我抱他' (I hug him) is correct, but omitting 拥 (yǒng) can lose the emotional nuance.
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Grammar Patterns of 拥抱
拥抱 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 2 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.
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她张开双臂，紧紧地____了我。
She opened her arms and gave me a big hug.
Example Sentences for 拥抱 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 拥抱
While hugging is a common expression of affection in Western cultures, in China, it may be less frequently practiced, especially among acquaintances, making it a more intimate gesture reserved for close friends or family.
Frequently Asked Questions about 拥抱
Generally, 拥抱 is more informal and used among friends or loved ones, but it can be appropriate in emotionally charged situations.
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