包 — meaning in English: package

bāo · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for packet

晚餐

wǎncān

调

diào

包

bāo

会议

huìyì

楼梯

lóutī

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 包 (bāo) when discussing packages, whether it's a delivery, a takeout order, or a gift. For example, you might hear it in a conversation at a post office or while ordering food at a restaurant, where the focus is on the packaging of the items.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 装 (zhuāng), which means 'to pack' or 'to load'. However, 包 (bāo) emphasizes the idea of containment or wrapping, while 装 (zhuāng) focuses more on the action of packing items into a container.

Culture

The character 包 (bāo) literally means 'to wrap' or 'to contain' and reflects a deep cultural significance in Chinese society where presentation is important. Historically, the word has been associated not just with material packages but also with the concept of 'wrapping up' good wishes or intentions, especially during festive occasions like the Lunar New Year when gifts are often beautifully packaged.

FAQ

Q.What does 包 (bāo) mean in English?

包 (bāo) translates to 'package' in English, but it can also mean 'to wrap' or 'to contain', depending on the context.

Q.How do you use 包 (bāo) in a sentence?

You can use 包 (bāo) in sentences like '我收到了一个包' (Wǒ shōudàole yīgè bāo), which means 'I received a package.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 包 (bāo)?

A common mistake is using 包 (bāo) only to refer to physical packages. Remember that it can also refer to the act of wrapping something or even metaphorical packaging, like ideas or emotions.

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