包括

• Pinyin: bāo kuò
• Hanzi breakdown: 包 = 勹 (wrap) + 巳 (phonetic), meaning wrap; 括 = 扌(hand) + phonetic component, meaning enclose/include

Meaning

To include; including. Used to enumerate items that are part of a larger group.

The most common word for 'include' in everyday Chinese. Frequently followed by a list of items. Unlike 包含 which suggests containing within, 包括 focuses on listing or specifying what is part of a group. Very common in both spoken and written Chinese.

Examples

1. 这次旅行的费用包括机票、住宿和早餐。 The travel expenses include air tickets, accommodation, and breakfast.
2. 我们班一共有三十人，包括十五个男生和十五个女生。 Our class has thirty people in total, including fifteen boys and fifteen girls.
3. 活动内容包括唱歌、跳舞和做游戏。 The activities include singing, dancing, and playing games.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, business, listing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 团队成员包括三个工程师和两个设计师。(The team members include three engineers and two designers.)
• 这个套餐包括一杯饮料。(This set meal includes one drink.)

Don't Say

• 说'我包括在这个队伍里' (Don't use 包括 reflexively — say 我也在这个队伍里 instead; 包括 introduces items in a list)

Origin & History

A compound of 包 (wrap, encompass) and 括 (include, enclose). Together they mean to encompass or include within a group.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal