背包

• Pinyin: bēi bāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 背 = 北 (north, phonetic) + 月 (flesh/body); 包 = 勹 (wrap) + 巳

Meaning

Backpack; rucksack. A bag with shoulder straps that is worn on the back.

Also used as a verb meaning 'to backpack' (背包旅行). 背包客 means backpacker. Common in discussions about travel, hiking, school, or commuting.

Examples

1. 他背着一个大背包，准备开始为期一个月的旅行。 He carried a large backpack, ready to begin his month-long journey.
2. 这个背包的设计很人性化，背起来很舒服。 This backpack has a very user-friendly design; it's comfortable to carry.
3. 现在很多年轻人喜欢背包旅行，体验不同的文化。 Nowadays many young people like backpacking to experience different cultures.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, everyday, school

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 你的背包真好看。(Your backpack looks really nice.)
• 我喜欢背包旅行。(I like backpacking.)

Don't Say

• 把'背包'和'书包'完全等同——书包专指学生用的，背包更广泛 (Don't equate 背包 exactly with 书包 — 书包 specifically means school bag, while 背包 is more general)

Origin & History

Compound of 背 (back/carry on back) + 包 (bag), describing a bag carried on one's back.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal