Definition
抱 (bào) is the everyday word for physically holding or hugging something in your arms. 拥抱 (yōngbào) is a more formal/emotional embrace, while 搂 (lǒu) means to put your arm around someone's shoulder or waist. 抱 also means 'to cherish' in set phrases like 抱希望 ('hold hope'), distinct from the verb 希望 ('to hope').
verb
to hold in one's armsto hugto embraceto cherishto entertain (a feeling, hope, expectation)(colloquial, of clothes) to fit nicely
Easily confused
- 跑pǎolook-aliketo run
- 包bāosound-alike(verb) to wrap; to bundle
- 泡pàolook-alike(noun) bubble, foam, blister
- 报bàosound-aliketo report, to announce
- 饱bǎolook-alikefull (after eating)
- 保Bǎosound-alike(verb) to protect, to guarantee, to maintain
- 爆bàosound-aliketo explode, to burst
- 宝bǎosound-aliketreasure; gem; precious object
- 薄báosound-alikethin (in thickness)
- 剥bāosound-aliketo peel, to skin, to shell
Examples
- 抱。Māma wēnróu de bào zhe xiǎo bǎobao.The mother gently holds the baby.
- 抱。Tā duì wèilái bào zhe hěn dà de xìnxīn.He has great confidence in the future.
- 抱，。Zhè jiàn yīfu hěn bào shēn, chuānzhe hěn shūfu.This piece of clothing fits the body nicely and is comfortable to wear.
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