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As you pack your schoolbag each day, have you ever wondered how to describe all the essential items that find their place inside it?
From textbook to eraser, let's expand your Chinese vocabulary that makes your bag complete!
书包 Schoolbag
In Chinese, a backpack is known as "背包" (bēi bāo). This term is quite straightforward, as "背" (bēi) means "to carry on one's back," and "包" (bāo) means "bag" or "sack."
背包
bēi bāo
backpack
The word 书包 (shū bāo) specifically refers to a bag for carrying books and studying materials.
书包
shū bāo
schoolbag
书包里有什么?
What's in a Schoolbag?
Now let's explore the contents of a 书包 (shū bāo) in Chinese:
01. Notebook
笔记本
bǐ jì běn
notebook (stationery)
(lit. "pen-to record-book")
02. Book
书
shū
book
03. Textbook
课本
kè běn
textbook
(lit. "class-book")
NOTE
The measure word for books is "本" (běn). For example, you can say "一本书" (yī běn shū) to mean "one book", or "一本课本" (yī běn kè běn) for "one textbook".
04. Thermos
Term 杯子 (bēi zi) is a general word used to describe any type of cup, whether it's for water, tea, coffee, or other beverages.
杯子
bēi zi
cup
Thermos, or "保温杯" (bǎo wēn bēi) is great for keeping your drinks hot or cold when you're on the move. Whether you're on a school trip or simply looking to keep your morning coffee hot during class, a tumbler is the perfect solution to meet your needs.
05. Highlighter Pen
Highlighter pen are widely used for marking important information in textbooks, notes, and documents.
荧光笔
yíng guāng bǐ
highlighter (pen)
(lit. "fluorescent-pen")
NOTE
The term "荧光" (yíng guāng) refers to fluorescence, which is the property of these pens that makes the ink stand out with bright, vibrant colors when applied to paper.
06. Pencil
For those who prefer using pencils:
铅笔
qiān bǐ
pencil
(lit. "lead-pen")
NOTE
"铅" (qiān) means "lead" (referring to the pencil's core), and "笔" (bǐ) means "pen".
07. Pen
笔
bǐ
pen
There is a wide variety of different types of pens you can choose from:
钢笔 (gāng bǐ) • fountain pen
"钢" means "steel", the material commonly used for the pen's nib.
圆珠笔 (yuán zhū bǐ) • ballpoint pen
"圆珠" means "ball" referring to the small ball bearing at the tip that dispenses ink.
凝胶笔 (níng jiāo bǐ) • gel pen
"凝胶" means "gel".
毛笔 (máo bǐ) • traditional Chinese calligraphy brush
"毛" refers to the brush's bristles.
08. Eraser
橡皮
xiàng pí
eraser
(lit. "oak-skin")
NOTE
The measure word for eraser is "块" (kuài). So, you would say "一块橡皮" (yì kuài xiàng pí) to mean "one eraser."
09. Mobile Phone
手机
shǒu jī
mobile phone
(lit. "hand-machine")
Source: That's Mandarin
Editor: wanwan
