包子
bāozi
In Chinese, bao buns are called 包子 (bāozi).
包子 refers to steamed buns that are filled with meat or vegetables.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the character 包 (bāo), which means to wrap, cover or enclose.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Xi'an region, a different term, Róu Jiā Mó (肉夹馍), is used to describe a bread-like bun stuffed with seasoned pork or beef.
How do you pronounce it?
bāozi
Did you know?
- The term 包 is so central to the concept of wrapping that it is also used to describe a handbag or a suitcase in Chinese.
- A popular variation called 小笼包 is designed with a thin skin and a soup filling, requiring a specific technique to eat without burning your tongue.
- The character 包 is shared with the word for 'envelope', reflecting the same logic of enclosing something inside a paper or dough shell.
Examples in context
- 我想买两个包子。Wǒ xiǎng mǎi liǎng gè bāozi.I want to buy two bao buns.
- 这些包子很好吃。Zhèxiē bāozi hěn hǎochī.These bao buns are very delicious.
- 早上的包子是什么馅的？Zǎoshang de bāozi shì shénme xiàn de?What is the filling in this morning's bao buns?
Example conversation
A breakfast stall on a busy street.
- 雨婷 Yuting老板，请给我三个包子。Lǎobǎn, qǐng gěi wǒ sān gè bāozi.Boss, please give me three bao buns.
- 伟 Wei好的，你要肉的还是菜的？Hǎo de, nǐ yào ròu de háishì cài de?Okay, do you want meat or vegetable ones?
- 雨婷 Yuting我要肉的包子。Wǒ yào ròu de bāozi.I want the meat bao buns.
- 伟 Wei没问题，请等一下。Méi wèntí, qǐng děng yīxià.No problem, please wait a moment.
