包

• Pinyin: bāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 包 = 勹 (wrap) + 巳 (wrapped object) — something wrapped or enclosed

Meaning

Bag; package; to wrap. A versatile word used as a noun for bags and packages, a verb meaning to wrap, and a measure word for packaged items.

As a noun, 包 refers to bags, purses, and packages of all kinds. As a verb, it means to wrap or enclose (包饺子 wrap dumplings, 包礼物 wrap a gift). As a measure word, it counts packaged items: 一包糖 (a bag of sugar), 一包纸巾 (a pack of tissues). Extremely common in daily life for shopping, travel, and food.

Examples

1. 我的包在桌子上面。 My bag is on the table.
2. 请帮我包一下这个礼物。 Please help me wrap this gift.
3. 他买了一包饼干。 He bought a pack of biscuits.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, shopping

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你的包真好看！(Your bag is really nice!)
• 妈妈包了很多饺子。(Mum wrapped a lot of dumplings.)

Don't Say

• 说'一个包面包'来表示一袋面包。(Don't say 一个包面包 — say 一包面包 when using 包 as a measure word for bread)

Origin & History

Pictographic character depicting a person (勹) carrying something wrapped inside (巳). The original meaning was to wrap or enclose.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal