包子
bāozi
The English phrase "steamed bun" is translated into Chinese as 包子 (bāozi).
包子 refers to a soft, fluffy bread made from flour that is cooked by steaming and often contains a filling. In Cantonese cuisine, particularly in Hong Kong, you may encounter Char Siu Bao, which refers specifically to steamed buns filled with barbecued pork.
Which one should you use?
While 包子 typically refers to steamed buns with a filling, the word 馒头 refers to plain steamed buns without any filling.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the word 包子, the suffix 子 (zi) is a common noun suffix in Mandarin and does not change the meaning of the word itself.
How do you pronounce it?
bāozi
Did you know?
- In Chinese pop culture, calling someone a 包子 can be a subtle insult implying they are weak, easily pushed around or lack a backbone. This uses the soft texture of the bun as a metaphor for a person's character.
- Ancient legends credit the invention of the 包子 to Zhuge Liang, a renowned strategist from the Three Kingdoms period, who supposedly created them to efficiently feed his soldiers.
- Certain varieties called 汤包 contain a hot, liquid soup inside the filling, creating a surprising burst of broth when bitten.
Examples in context
- 我想要一个包子。I would like a steamed bun.
- 这家餐厅的包子很好吃。The steamed buns in this restaurant are delicious.
- 我最喜欢吃馒头了。I love eating mantou.
- 这家包子店的馒头非常软。The mantou in this steamed bun shop is very soft.
- 我想要个肉包子。I want a meat-filled steamed bun.
- 这家小吃摊有各种口味的包子。This street food stall has steamed buns with various flavors.
- 我想吃叉烧包。I want to eat a Char Siu Bao.
- 这个包子真好吃。Zhège bāozi zhēn hǎochī.This steamed bun is delicious.
- 我想买两个包子。Wǒ xiǎng mǎi liǎng gè bāozi.I want to buy two steamed buns.
- 包子热腾腾的。Bāozi rèténgténg de.The steamed buns are piping hot.
Example conversation
A woman is buying breakfast at a street stall.
- 志强 Zhiqiang小姐，请问有包子吗？Xiǎojiě, qǐngwèn yǒu bāozi ma?Miss, do you have any steamed buns?
- 雨婷 Yuting有的，你要几个？Yǒu de, nǐ yào jǐ gè?Yes, how many do you want?
- 志强 Zhiqiang给我两个肉包子。Gěi wǒ liǎng gè ròu bāozi.Give me two meat steamed buns.
- 雨婷 Yuting好的，请稍等。Hǎo de, qǐng shāoděng.Okay, please wait a moment.
