怀抱

• Pinyin: huái bào
• Hanzi breakdown: 怀 = 忄+ 褱 (heart/cherish); 抱 = 扌+ 包 (embrace/hold)

Meaning

To hold in one's arms; an embrace. Also used figuratively for cherished hopes, aspirations, or a sheltering environment.

As a noun: the act of holding someone in one's arms, or a beloved goal carried in one's heart. As a verb: to embrace or to harbor (hopes/ideals). Common in emotional and literary contexts.

Examples

1. 母亲将婴儿紧紧抱在怀抱之中，眼神充满慈爱。 The mother held the baby tightly in her arms, her eyes full of loving kindness.
2. 他怀抱着改变世界的理想，踏上了漫漫求学之路。 He held on to the dream of changing the world and set out on a long road of study.
3. 多年后他回到故乡，重新投入祖国的怀抱。 Many years later, he returned to his hometown and once again embraced his motherland.

Usage Guide

Context: family, literature, aspirations, emotion

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 孩子依偎在父母的怀抱中，感到无比安心。(The child nestled in the parents' arms, feeling completely at ease.)
• 她怀抱着对艺术的热爱，坚持创作了二十余年。(She has persisted in creative work for over twenty years, harboring a deep love for art.)

Don't Say

• 怀抱 and 拥抱 interchangeably — 怀抱 suggests cradling or sheltering warmth; 拥抱 is a mutual hug; 怀抱 is more nurturing and one-directional

Origin & History

怀 (heart/cherish/miss) + 抱 (embrace/hold)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal