包含

• Pinyin: bāo hán
• Hanzi breakdown: 包 = 勹 (wrap) + 巳 (phonetic), meaning wrap/contain; 含 = 今 (phonetic) + 口 (mouth), meaning hold in mouth/contain

Meaning

To contain; to include; to encompass. Indicates that something holds or comprises certain elements within it.

Used when something has elements inside it, whether concrete or abstract. Can describe a price that includes tax, a sentence that contains meaning, or a look that holds emotion. Slightly more literary than 包括 and can carry emotional nuance (e.g., eyes 包含 tears).

Examples

1. 这篇文章包含了很多有用的信息。 This article contains a lot of useful information.
2. 她的眼神里包含着深深的感情。 Her eyes held deep emotion.
3. 这个价格包含了运费和税。 This price includes shipping and tax.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, business, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这本书包含了十个章节。(This book contains ten chapters.)
• 他的话包含了很深的道理。(His words contain profound meaning.)

Don't Say

• 说'这个包包含了我的东西' (Don't use 包含 for a bag physically holding your belongings — use 装着; 包含 is for abstract containment or composition)

Origin & History

A compound of 包 (wrap, contain) and 含 (hold in mouth, contain). Both characters relate to containing something within, reinforcing the meaning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal