背包
bēibāo
The English phrase "backpack" is translated into Chinese as 背包 (bēibāo). If unsure, use 背包. Wiktionary also lists 背囊 (bēináng).
Meaning: worn on a person's back, e.g., for hiking (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 背包 | bēibāo |
| 背囊 | bēináng |
A backpack is a bag worn on a person's back, such as for hiking. The character 背 (bēi) specifically means 'to carry on one's back' or 'to bear.' For a specific type of backpack used by students, you may use 书包, which literally means 'book bag.'
What does it mean word for word?
The word 背包 is composed of 背 (bēi), meaning 'to carry on the back' and 包 (bāo), meaning 'bag'.
Which one should you use?
While 背包 is the standard term for a backpack, 背囊 often implies a larger, more rugged or traditional sack-like bag used for heavy carrying or expeditions.
How do you pronounce it?
bēibāo
Did you know?
- The verb 背 is also used to describe the act of memorizing something by heart, such as 'memorizing a poem'.
- The word 包 (bāo) is also used in many culinary terms, such as for 'dumplings' or 'buns', because they are 'wrapped' items.
- The character 包 is a pictograph that originally resembled a bundle of cloth tied together.
Examples in context
- 这是我的背包。This is my backpack.
- 好的，你的背包很漂亮。Okay, your backpack is very stylish.
- 我还是用书包，背囊太沉了。I still use a school bag, backpacks are too heavy.
- 他的背包很重。Tā de bèibāo hěn zhòng.His backpack is very heavy.
- 我买了一个新背包。Wǒ mǎile yīgè xīn bèibāo.I bought a new backpack.
- 请把背包放在桌子上。Qǐng bǎ bèibāo fàng zài zhuōzi shàng.Please put the backpack on the table.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Xiaowen are preparing for a hiking trip.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，你的背包准备好了吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ de bēibāo zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma?Xiaowen, is your backpack ready?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen准备好了，但是有点重。Zhǔnbèi hǎo le, dànshì yǒudiǎn zhòng.It's ready, but it's a bit heavy.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我可以帮你拿背包。Wǒ kěyǐ bāng nǐ ná bēibāo.I can help you carry the backpack.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen谢谢志强，你真好。Xièxie Zhìqiáng, nǐ zhēn hǎo.Thanks Zhiqiang, you are so kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “backpack” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
