皮包

• Pinyin: pí bāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 皮 = pictograph of a hand stretching a hide; 包 = 勹 (wrap) + 巳 (foetus), meaning to wrap up or a bag

Meaning

Leather bag; handbag; purse. A bag made of leather, typically used for carrying personal items.

Refers specifically to bags made of leather or leather-like material. In daily use, it most commonly means a woman's handbag or a man's briefcase-style bag. Also used in the compound 皮包公司, which means a shell company — a company that exists only on paper.

Examples

1. 她买了一个很漂亮的皮包。 She bought a very pretty leather bag.
2. 这个皮包是妈妈送给我的生日礼物。 This leather bag is a birthday present my mum gave me.
3. 你的皮包放在桌子上了。 Your handbag is on the table.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, daily life, fashion

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个皮包多少钱？(How much is this leather bag?)
• 她的皮包里放了很多东西。(There are a lot of things in her handbag.)

Don't Say

• 我把书放在皮包里带去学校。(Don't use 皮包 for a school bag — 皮包 refers to leather handbags or briefcases. Use 书包 for school bags.)

Origin & History

皮 means leather or skin; 包 means bag or to wrap. Together: a bag made of leather.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal