擁抱 / 拥抱
yōngbào
The English word 'hug' is translated into Chinese as 擁抱 / 拥抱 (yōngbào). If unsure, use 擁抱 / 拥抱. Wiktionary also lists 摟抱 / 搂抱 (lǒubào) and 偎抱 (wēibào).
Meaning: affectionate embrace (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 擁抱 / 拥抱 | yōngbào | |
| 摟抱 / 搂抱 | lǒubào | |
| 偎抱 | wēibào | formal |
The primary way to express an affectionate embrace, whether as a noun or a verb, is using 擁抱 / 拥抱. It can also be used as a verb meaning to cling closely together.
What does it mean word for word?
In the term 擁抱 / 拥抱, 擁 (yōng) means to embrace or hold and 抱 (bào) means to hug or carry in one's arms.
Which one should you use?
While 擁抱 / 拥抱 is the standard and most common term for a hug or embrace, 摟抱 / 搂抱 specifically implies holding someone in one's arms, such as when a person is cradling another. 偎抱 is a more literary term that suggests snuggling or leaning into an embrace for comfort.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
偎抱 is a formal or literary choice. For a cute and affectionate way to say 'hug', you can use the informal 抱抱.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
yōngbào
Did you know?
- Using 抱抱 (bào bào) as a request is often seen as 'sajiao' (撒嬌), a unique Chinese cultural concept of acting like a spoiled child to show affection or get one's way.
- In traditional Chinese culture, 擁抱 (yōngbào) was historically rare in public. Physical affection was often expressed through shared activities or subtle gestures rather than overt embraces.
- While 擁抱 (yōngbào) is used for people, the verb 抱 (bào) is also the standard word used for 'holding' a baby or carrying a large object in your arms.
Examples in context
- 好想你啊，抱抱！I missed you so much, hug!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hug” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
