包子

• Pinyin: bāo zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 包 (wrap) + 子 (noun suffix) — a wrapped bun

Meaning

Steamed stuffed bun. A traditional Chinese food made of dough wrapped around a filling and steamed.

A staple of Chinese breakfast and snacks. Fillings can be savoury (meat, vegetables) or sweet (red bean paste). Sold at street stalls, canteens, and restaurants throughout China. Different from 馒头 (plain steamed bun without filling).

Examples

1. 我早上吃了两个包子。 I ate two steamed buns this morning.
2. 这家店的包子很好吃。 The steamed buns at this shop are delicious.
3. 妈妈做的包子最好吃。 The steamed buns Mom makes are the best.

Usage Guide

Context: food, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我要三个包子。(I'd like three steamed buns.)
• 你吃过小笼包子吗？(Have you tried xiaolongbao?)

Don't Say

• 把馒头叫包子 (Don't call 馒头 a 包子 — 馒头 has no filling, 包子 always has filling inside)

Origin & History

From 包 (to wrap) and 子 (noun suffix). The name literally describes the food: dough wrapped around a filling. Steamed buns have been a Chinese staple for over a thousand years.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal