口袋
kǒudài
The English word "pocket" is translated into Chinese as 口袋 (kǒudài). Wiktionary also lists 荷包 (hébāo).
Meaning: bag stitched to an item of clothing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 口袋 | kǒudài |
| 荷包 | hébāo |
The term is used to refer to a bag stitched to an item of clothing. To express that something is "in the pocket", use the structure 口袋里 to indicate the interior space. You can also use the phrase 到口袋 to mean "to put into a pocket".
What does it mean word for word?
The word 口袋 is composed of 口 (mouth) and 袋 (bag/sack), literally meaning "mouth bag".
Which one should you use?
While 口袋 refers to a standard pocket on clothing, 荷包 often refers to a small, decorative drawstring pouch or a purse. Additionally, 衣袋 is used specifically to mean "clothing pocket".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kǒudài
When do people say it?
In ancient China, people carried small bags called 腰囊 tied to their waistbands to store personal belongings.
Did you know?
- Historically, the 荷包 was not just a purse but a fragrant sachet filled with herbs and worn to ward off illness or bad luck.
- Traditional Chinese robes often lacked stitched pockets, which is why the ancient 腰囊 was tied externally to the waist.
- In Chinese culture, giving a 荷包 as a gift can symbolize a wish for the recipient to have a prosperous life and wealth.
Examples in context
- 他把钱塞到我的口袋里。Put the money in my pocket.This sentence is useful for practicing how to express putting money into a 口袋.Tatoeba #1366207 by sadhen, translation #13731462 by humorous9830
- 他从口袋中拿出了什么。He took something out of his pocket.This sentence is useful for practicing how to express taking something out of a 口袋.Tatoeba #2032315 by ydcok, translation #292721 by CK
- 汤姆把钥匙拿出了口袋。Tom took his keys out of his pocket.This sentence is useful for practicing how to express taking keys out of a 口袋.Tatoeba #5812250 by AlbadeG, translation #2539642 by CK
- 我把钥匙放在口袋里。I put the keys in my pocket.
- 在口袋里找找，你可能会找到零钱。Look in your pocket, you might find some change.
- 钥匙在兜里。The keys are in my pocket.
- 兜里有手机和钱包。There's a phone and a wallet in my pocket.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zhìqiáng and Jiāyí are shopping for clothes in a mall.
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，你看这件外套怎么样？Jiāyí, nǐ kàn zhè jiàn wàitào zěnmeyàng?Jiāyí, what do you think of this jacket?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我觉得不错，但是口袋太小了。Wǒ juéde bùcuò, dànshì kǒudài tài xiǎo le.I think it's okay, but the pocket is too small.
- 志强 Zhiqiang真的吗？我感觉这个口袋还可以。Zhēn de ma? Wǒ gǎnjué zhège kǒudài hái kěyǐ.Really? I think this pocket is alright.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你试一下，看看能不能放得下手机。Nǐ shì yīxià, kàn kàn néng bù néng fàng de xià shǒujī.Try it and see if your phone can fit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pocket” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
