Bao Bao Meaning in Chinese: Translations, Pronunciation, and Fun Learning

Have you ever heard the word bao bao in Chinese? Depending on the tones, it can mean many adorable things. For example, 宝宝 (bǎo bǎo) means “baby” or “treasure,” while 抱抱 (bào bào) means “hug.” You may also hear 包包 (bāo bāo), which refers to “bag” .

What Is Bao Bao’s Meaning?

In Chinese, the same sound can have different meanings depending on the tone. “Bao bao” is a perfect example of this. Let’s look at three of the most common meanings:

宝宝 (bǎo bǎo) – Baby or Treasure

• 
  

  Pinyin: bǎo bǎo

  
  
• 
  

  Meaning: “baby,” “darling,” or “precious one.”

  
  
• 
  

  Example: 妈妈爱我的宝宝。(Mā ma ài wǒ de bǎo bǎo.) — Mommy loves my baby.

  
  

This is the most common use and a term of endearment for children or loved ones.

抱抱 (bào bào) – Hug

• 
  

  Pinyin: bào bào

  
  
• 
  

  Meaning: “hug” or “to embrace.”

  
  
• 
  

  Example: 来抱抱！(Lái bào bào!) — Come here for a hug!

  
  

This form expresses affection and warmth, often used between parents and kids.

包包 (bāo bāo) – Bag or Dumpling

• 
  

  Pinyin: bāo bāo

  
  
• 
  

  Meaning: “bag,” “purse,” or “bun/dumpling.”

  
  
• 
  

  Example: 她的新包包很漂亮。(Tā de xīn bāo bāo hěn piàoliang.) — Her new bag is very pretty.

  
  

In pop culture, bao bao can even refer to baozi (steamed buns).

Bao Bao Meanings in 3 Ways

Examples and Contexts of Bao Bao in Chinese

Here are some common situations where you’ll hear it:

• 
  

  Pet Names: Parents call their children “宝宝” (bǎo bǎo) as a loving nickname.

  
  
• 
  

  Affectionate Expressions: Couples or friends use “抱抱” (bào bào) to show closeness.

  
  

Example Sentences:

• 
  

  我的宝宝很可爱！(Wǒ de bǎo bǎo hěn kě ài!) — My baby is so cute!

  
  
• 
  

  过来，让我抱抱。(Guòlái, ràng wǒ bào bào.) — Come here, let me hug you.

  
  
• 
  

  我买了一个新包包。(Wǒ mǎile yīgè xīn bāo bāo.) — I bought a new bag.

  
  

Cultural Note: In Chinese families, “宝宝” doesn’t only refer to infants. Parents might still call their grown-up children “bǎo  bǎo” as a way of expressing everlasting love.

Bao Bao Pronunciation and Learning Tips

Chinese is a tonal language, which means that the pitch you use can completely change the meaning.

• 
  

  bǎo (third tone, falling-rising) = treasure, baby

  
  
• 
  

  bào (fourth tone, sharp falling) = hug

  
  
• 
  

  bāo (first tone, flat high) = bag, bun

  
  

Quiz: Test Your Bao Bao Knowledge

Question: What does each “bao bao” mean?

Answer Key:

1-B, 2-B, 3-A, 4-A, 5-B

More Fun Chinese Slang at Wukong Chinese!

Chinese Slang	Description
5201314 meaning	Decodes the romantic numeric code for “I love you forever.”
666 chinese slang	“Liu liu liu” or “Niu niu niu,” expressing awe or praise online.
bao bao meaning(this)	Explains “Bao Bao,” from a term for babies to a common affectionate nickname.
baobei meaning	The meaning and usage of “Baobei,” one of the most common terms of endearment.
bing chilling meaning	The origin and cultural meaning behind the viral meme “Bing Chilling.”
chinese coffee	Explores coffee culture and related vocabulary in Chinese.
chinese character for longevity	A deep dive into the character “寿” and its cultural symbolism for long life.
chinese internet slang	A collection of interesting and commonly used Chinese internet slang terms.
chopsticks in chinese	Learn the Chinese word for chopsticks and the dining etiquette behind them.
dragon in chinese	Explores the sacred symbolism of the “dragon” in Chinese language and culture.
jiafei song lyrics	Introduces the viral “Jiafei” song meme and its Chinese lyrics.
jianghu meaning	Explains “Jianghu,” from the martial arts world to its modern meaning.
laoban meaning	The meaning of “Laoban,” not just a boss but a common form of address.
ma ma hu hu meaning	The meaning of the idiom “Ma Ma Hu Hu,” describing carelessness or “so-so.”
milk tea in chinese	The Chinese term for milk tea and the culture around this popular drink.
panda in chinese	The Chinese name and pronunciation guide for the national treasure, “Panda.”
pokemon in chinese	Essential knowledge of Chinese translated names for Pokémon characters.
rice in chinese	The basic Chinese term for “rice” and its cultural importance.
say sauce in chinese	Teaches you how to say “sauce” in Chinese, including its internet slang meaning.
wechat in chinese	The Chinese name for the super-app “WeChat” and related feature vocabulary.
weibo meaning	Explains what “Weibo” is, one of China’s major social media platforms.
what does dd mean on social media	Explains the meaning of “DD” on social media (“Di Di” or “Ding Ding”).
what does dim sum mean	The meaning of “Dim Sum,” diving into Cantonese Yum Cha culture and cuisine.
what does kitty mean in chinese	What “Kitty” or “kitten” means in Chinese and related cultural references.
what does xiao hong shu mean	What is “Xiaohongshu”? A famous lifestyle sharing platform in China.
what is douyin	Introduces “Douyin,” the globally popular short-video social app.
xiao in chinese	Explains the common usages and meanings of the multi-meaning character “Xiao.”
xswl meaning	The full form and usage of the internet abbreviation “XSWL” (laughing to death).
yyds meaning	The abbreviation for “Eternal God,” expressing the highest form of praise online.

Conclusion

From calling a child “宝宝” to saying “抱抱” for a hug, it’s a phrase full of warmth that helps kids explore tones and meanings in Mandarin.

At Wukong Education, we believe that words like “bao bao” make learning Chinese fun and memorable. Start practicing with your child today, join our Children’s Mandarin Courses to keep the journey exciting.

Roxy | WuKong Chinese Teacher

I have been deeply involved in the K12 education field for many years, acquiring rich professional knowledge and experience. My extensive understanding of Chinese culture and education enhances my ability to integrate diverse educational methodologies. I hold a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Melbourne, which bolsters my expertise and pedagogical skills. Passionate about fostering educational environments that inspire and empower, I am committed to creating inclusive learning experiences. My aim is to positively impact students’ lives and equip them with tools for success in a globalized world.