抱 bào
“to hold; to carry (in one's arms); to hug”
verbHSK 4 · 2021 list level 4
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
抱 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 1018: 抱 bào — Level 4; official annotation 4 (动). PDF page 105
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 抱
抱 means to hold or carry someone or something in your arms, and it also means to hug or embrace. It is often used as 抱着 + object to describe holding something against your chest. Use it for people or things held in the arms, not for small items held in the hand or things carried on your back.
例句Example sentences
- 她抱着一个婴儿。tā bào zhe yí gè yīng ér.She is holding a baby in her arms.
- 妈妈轻轻地抱了抱我。mā ma qīng qīng de bào le bào wǒ.My mom gently gave me a hug.
- 他抱着一大箱书走进来。tā bào zhe yí dà xiāng shū zǒu jìn lái.He carried a big box of books in his arms and walked in.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗他抱在怀里孩子。
✓他把孩子抱在怀里。
With 抱, the object normally follows the verb, or you use 把 when a location phrase like 在怀里 comes after the verb.
相关词语Related words
- 抱歉 bào qiàn