Understanding "书包" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 书包
• Pinyin: shū bāo
• Literal Meaning: "book" (书) + "bag" (包)
• Primary Meaning: A backpack or schoolbag used to carry books and other school supplies.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "书包" is a common word in Chinese, primarily referring to a bag used by students to carry books, notebooks, and stationery to and from school.
• It can also refer to any bag designed for holding books, but its most frequent use is in an educational context.

• Unlike general terms like "包" (bag), "书包" specifically implies a bag for academic purposes.

• Character Breakdown:

• 书 (shū): Means "book" or "writing."
• 包 (bāo): Means "bag" or "to wrap." Together, they form "book bag."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我的书包很重。
   Pinyin: Wǒ de shūbāo hěn zhòng.
   English: My schoolbag is very heavy.

2. Chinese: 她买了一个新书包。
   Pinyin: Tā mǎi le yī gè xīn shūbāo.
   English: She bought a new backpack.

3. Chinese: 请把书放进书包里。
   Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ shū fàng jìn shūbāo lǐ.
   English: Please put the books into the schoolbag.

Cultural Notes

• In China, "书包" is an essential item for students, symbolizing their academic life.
• Many children receive their first "书包" when they start elementary school, often as a gift from parents or relatives.
• Modern "书包" designs often feature popular cartoon characters or bright colors, reflecting trends among younger students.

Conclusion

"书包" (shū bāo) is a practical and culturally significant word in Chinese, referring to a schoolbag or backpack. Remember it as "book bag," and you’ll easily recognize its role in daily student life!