At the A1 level, you only need to know that 保管 (bǎoguǎn) means 'to keep' or 'to look after' a simple object. It is often used when you are traveling or out with friends. For example, if you go to the bathroom and want your friend to watch your bag, you might say '请保管我的包' (Please look after my bag). At this stage, focus on the basic 'Subject + 保管 + Object' structure. Think of it as a more formal way of saying '帮我拿一下' (Help me hold this for a second). You will mostly hear it at airports or hotels where you leave your luggage. Just remember: it is for things, not people. You can't '保管' a baby! Keep your sentences short and focus on common items like keys, bags, and money. It's a very helpful word for basic survival Chinese when you need to ensure your belongings are safe while you are busy doing something else.
At the A2 level, you should start using 保管 with resultative complements like '好' (hǎo). Instead of just saying '保管,' say '保管好' (keep it well/safely). This is the standard way to give advice or reminders. For example, '请保管好你的财物' (Please take good care of your belongings). You will notice this word on signs in public places like buses, trains, and malls. You should also recognize the word 保管员 (bǎoguǎnyuán), which refers to a person whose job is to look after things, like a cloakroom attendant or a warehouse worker. You are now expected to understand that this word implies a sense of responsibility. If you lose something that someone asked you to bǎoguǎn, it's considered a serious mistake because the word implies you were 'managing' its safety, not just holding it.
By B1, you should be comfortable using 保管 in professional and slightly more formal contexts. You'll use it to discuss office responsibilities, such as who is in charge of the company seal (公章) or the keys to the storage room. You should also be able to use the 把 (bǎ) construction fluently with this verb: '把文件保管在保险柜里' (Keep the documents in the safe). At this level, you can distinguish between bǎoguǎn and bǎocún (to preserve/save). You understand that bǎoguǎn is more about physical custody and the duty of care, while bǎocún is often used for data or long-term storage. You might also encounter the word in administrative notices, where the tone is polite but firm about personal responsibility for property.
At the B2 level, you can use 保管 in abstract or legalistic ways. You might hear it in discussions about 'custodial rights' or 'fiduciary duty' in a business sense. You should be able to use adverbs like tuǒshàn (妥善 - properly) or yánmì (严密 - strictly/tightly) to modify how something is being kept. For example, '公司必须妥善保管客户的个人资料' (The company must properly safeguard customers' personal data). You also start to recognize the regional usage where bǎoguǎn acts as a synonym for 'guarantee' (保证), though you know this is more colloquial or dialectal. Your understanding of the word now includes the nuances of liability—if you are the one bǎoguǎn-ing something, you are the one responsible if it goes wrong.
At the C1 level, your grasp of 保管 extends to its role in cultural and historical preservation. You can discuss the 'custodianship' of cultural heritage or the ethical implications of how a museum bǎoguǎn-s artifacts from other countries. You are capable of using the word in high-level academic or legal writing. For example, you might write about the '保管责任' (custodial responsibility) in a contract or the '保管期限' (retention period) for legal documents. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how the '管' (management) aspect differentiates it from mere 'protection.' You can also use the word metaphorically in literature, perhaps referring to someone 'keeping' a memory or a tradition as if it were a physical treasure, adding a layer of poetic weight to the verb.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 保管 and all its nuances. You can effortlessly switch between its literal meaning and its more obscure colloquial uses. You might use it in a witty or ironic way, or understand it in classical-style modern prose where it might be paired with more archaic terms. You are aware of the legal distinctions between 'custody,' 'escrow,' and 'storage,' and you know exactly when bǎoguǎn is the precise term to use in a professional Chinese legal environment. You can discuss the evolution of the word from its early roots to its modern application in digital 'custody' of cryptocurrencies (数字资产保管). Your usage is characterized by perfect collocation and a deep understanding of the social expectations of 'trust' that the word invokes in Chinese society.

保管 en 30 segundos

  • 保管 means to keep something safe in your custody.
  • It is commonly used for luggage, keys, and documents.
  • It implies a responsibility to prevent loss or damage.
  • Common in travel, banking, and professional management contexts.

The Chinese word 保管 (bǎoguǎn) is a versatile verb that primarily translates to 'to look after,' 'to keep,' or 'to safeguard.' At its core, it combines two powerful characters: 保 (bǎo), which means to protect or guarantee, and 管 (guǎn), which means to manage or control. Together, they describe the act of taking responsibility for an object's safety and condition over a period of time. This isn't just 'holding' something; it implies a duty of care. When you 保管 something, you are ensuring it doesn't get lost, stolen, or damaged.

Physical Custody
This is the most common usage. It refers to keeping physical items like luggage at a train station, documents in a safe, or a friend's keys while they are on vacation. It suggests a temporary arrangement where the owner expects the item back in the same condition.
Abstract Responsibility
In more advanced contexts, it can refer to keeping information or even maintaining a certain state of affairs. While less common than physical objects, 'keeping a secret' can occasionally use this logic in specific formal phrasing, though it usually stays within the realm of tangible assets.

请帮我保管一下行李,我去买张票。
(Please help me look after my luggage for a moment; I'm going to buy a ticket.)

In daily life, you will encounter this word frequently in service-oriented environments. Hotels have 'left-luggage' services (行李保管), and gyms provide lockers for the 'safekeeping' of valuables. The word carries a tone of reliability. If someone agrees to bǎoguǎn your items, they are accepting a social or professional contract to be vigilant. It differs from 拿 (ná - to take/hold) because 拿 has no implication of protection, and it differs from 收藏 (shōucáng - to collect) because 收藏 implies long-term appreciation or storage rather than temporary care.

这些重要的文件由秘书保管
(These important documents are kept by the secretary.)

From a grammatical perspective, 保管 is a transitive verb. It typically follows the pattern: [Subject] + 保管 + [Object]. You can also use the 把 (bǎ) construction, which is very common: [Subject] + 把 + [Object] + 保管 + [Resultative/Directional Complement]. For example, '把钱保管好' (Keep the money safe). The addition of '好' (hǎo) after the verb emphasizes that the action of keeping has reached a satisfactory and secure state.

Professional Roles
The word also extends into job titles. A bǎoguǎnyuán (保管员) is a storekeeper, warehouse clerk, or custodian. In this context, it is no longer just a temporary favor but a full-time professional responsibility involving inventory management and security protocols.

Using 保管 correctly involves understanding its placement in various sentence structures, ranging from simple requests to complex passive forms. Because it implies a process of care, it is often paired with adverbs that describe the quality of that care.

你要妥善保管你的护照。
(You must keep your passport properly/safely.)

In the sentence above, the adverb 妥善 (tuǒshàn), meaning 'properly' or 'appropriately,' is a high-frequency collocation for 保管. It elevates the tone to be more formal and cautionary. This is the kind of sentence you would see on a government website or hear from a tour guide.

The 'Ba' (把) Construction
In everyday spoken Chinese, the structure is preferred because it focuses on the disposal or handling of the object.
Example: 请把你自己的东西保管好。 (Please keep your own things safe.) Here, the resultative complement '好' is essential to show that the action is completed successfully.
Passive Voice (被)
While less common, you might use the passive voice if the focus is on the object being protected.
Example: 贵重物品应被妥善保管。 (Valuables should be properly kept.) This is typically found in written notices or legal disclaimers.

Another interesting usage is in the context of 'guaranteeing' a result, although this is more regional or slightly older. In some dialects, 保管 can mean 'to guarantee' that something will happen (similar to 保证). For instance, 我保管你满意 (I guarantee you'll be satisfied). However, for learners at the A2-B1 level, it is safest to stick to the 'safekeeping' definition to avoid confusion with 保证 (bǎozhèng).

图书馆负责保管这些古老的书籍。
(The library is responsible for keeping/preserving these ancient books.)

When discussing institutional care, 保管 implies a system. A library doesn't just 'have' books; it 'keeps' them through a systematic process of preservation. This makes the word suitable for professional environments like archives, museums, and banks.

Understanding the environment where 保管 is used helps in mastering its register. It is a word that straddles the line between formal and informal, making it incredibly useful for travelers and professionals alike.

Travel and Transportation
At airports (机场), train stations (火车站), or hotels (酒店), you will see signs for 行李保管处 (xínglǐ bǎoguǎn chù). This is the 'Left Luggage' or 'Baggage Storage' area. If you ask a receptionist, '可以帮我保管行李吗?' (Can you help me keep my luggage?), they will immediately understand you are looking for a secure storage service.
Banking and Finance
Banks offer 保管箱 (bǎoguǎn xiāng), which are 'Safe Deposit Boxes.' In a financial context, the word implies high security and legal accountability. If a bank '保管' your assets, they are legally liable for their safety.

请在离开前将贵重物品交由前台保管
(Please hand over your valuables to the front desk for safekeeping before leaving.)

In a workplace setting, 保管 is used when handing over keys or company property. When an employee leaves a company, they must jiāohuí (return) the items they were bǎoguǎn-ing. This highlights the temporary nature of the word—you are holding it for someone else, not owning it.

这把钥匙由你保管,别弄丢了。
(You keep this key; don't lose it.)

Finally, in legal and museum contexts, you'll hear about 'custodial' rights or 'conservation.' A museum's mission is the bǎoguǎn of cultural relics. Here, the word takes on a sacred tone of preserving history for future generations.

While 保管 seems straightforward, learners often confuse it with similar words or use it in contexts where a different verb would be more natural. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Chinese sound more authentic.

Confusing 保管 with 保护 (bǎohù)
This is the most frequent error. 保护 means 'to protect' in a general sense, like protecting the environment (保护环境) or protecting one's eyes (保护眼睛). 保管 is specifically about keeping an object safe in your custody. You wouldn't '保管' the environment.
Confusing 保管 with 收藏 (shōucáng)
收藏 is 'to collect' or 'to store away' for long-term enjoyment, like a stamp collection. 保管 is more about the act of looking after something, often temporarily or as a duty. You '收藏' art, but the museum '保管' it for you.

❌ 我保管我的眼睛。
✅ 我保护我的眼睛。
(I protect my eyes.)

Another mistake is forgetting the resultative complement. In Chinese, just saying 'I keep the key' (我保管钥匙) sounds incomplete in many contexts. It is much more natural to say '我保管钥匙' (I am keeping the key) or '我会好办保管钥匙' (I will keep the key well). The state of the action matters.

❌ 请保管我的孩子。
✅ 请照顾我的孩子。
(Please look after my child.)

Finally, avoid using 保管 when you simply mean 'to have' or 'to keep' a habit. For 'keeping a habit,' use 保持 (bǎochí). For 'keeping a secret,' while 保管 is technically possible in legal contexts, 保守 (bǎoshǒu) is the standard choice for '保守秘密'.

To truly master 保管, you must see how it fits into the ecosystem of 'keeping' and 'protecting' words in Chinese. Here is a comparison with its closest relatives.

保管 (bǎoguǎn) vs. 保存 (bǎocún)
Both mean 'to keep,' but 保存 is more about 'preservation' or 'saving' (like saving a file on a computer). 保管 emphasizes the responsibility and physical custody. You '保存' a digital photo, but you '保管' a physical diamond ring.
保管 (bǎoguǎn) vs. 照顾 (zhàogù)
照顾 is 'to look after' people, pets, or health. 保管 is for inanimate objects. You '照顾' your grandmother, but you '保管' her jewelry box.
保管 (bǎoguǎn) vs. 维持 (wéichí)
维持 means 'to maintain' or 'to keep up' a state, like maintaining order (维持秩序) or maintaining a relationship. 保管 is about a specific object.

他负责保管仓库的钥匙,并维持那里的整洁。
(He is responsible for keeping the warehouse keys and maintaining the tidiness there.)

Choosing the right word depends on the object and the intent. If the intent is to stop something from being lost, use 保管. If the intent is to stop something from decaying or being deleted, use 保存. If the intent is to provide care to a living being, use 照顾.

In formal documents, you might also see zhǎngguǎn (掌管), which means 'to be in charge of' or 'to wield control over.' This is much more powerful than 保管. A manager '掌管' a department, while a clerk '保管' the files.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The character '管' (guǎn) contains the bamboo radical (竹) because ancient keys and management tools (like pipes or brushes) were often made of bamboo.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /bɑː ɡwæn/
US /bɑ ɡwæn/
Equal stress on both syllables, but the tone sandhi is crucial.
Rima con
饭 (fàn) 管 (guǎn) 满 (mǎn) 短 (duǎn) 看 (kàn) 办 (bàn) 站 (zhàn) 换 (huàn)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'guan' like 'goon'. It should be 'gw-ahn'.
  • Forgetting the tone sandhi: bǎ + guǎn becomes bá + guǎn.
  • Using the 1st tone for 'bao' (bāo) which means 'to wrap'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Characters are common and easy to recognize in context.

Escritura 3/5

The character '管' has many strokes and requires practice.

Expresión oral 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but tone sandhi needs attention.

Escucha 2/5

Very common in announcements; easy to pick out.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

保 (protect) 管 (manage) 好 (good/well) 行李 (luggage) 钥匙 (key)

Aprende después

保存 (preserve) 保证 (guarantee) 管理 (manage) 负责 (responsible) 财产 (property)

Avanzado

受托人 (trustee) 留置权 (lien) 恪尽职守 (devoted to duty) 妥善 (properly)

Gramática que debes saber

The 'Ba' Construction (把字句)

请把钥匙保管好。

Resultative Complements (结果补语)

他保管好了我的钱。

Descriptive Complements (状态补语)

他保管得非常仔细。

Tone Sandhi (3rd + 3rd tone)

Bǎ (3) + guǎn (3) -> Bá (2) + guǎn (3).

Passive with 'You' (由)

这些资料由我保管。

Ejemplos por nivel

1

请保管我的包。

Please look after my bag.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

2

我保管钥匙。

I keep the keys.

Direct object placement.

3

他保管钱。

He looks after the money.

Focus on physical custody.

4

谁保管这个?

Who is keeping this?

Interrogative sentence.

5

我不保管你的书。

I am not keeping your book.

Negative form using 不 (bù).

6

妈妈保管我的护照。

Mom keeps my passport.

Showing trust/family context.

7

请帮我保管。

Please help me keep (it).

Using 帮 (bāng) to ask for help.

8

他在保管行李。

He is looking after the luggage.

Continuous action with 在 (zài).

1

请保管好你的东西。

Please take good care of your things.

Using the resultative complement 好 (hǎo).

2

你要保管好钥匙。

You must keep the keys safe.

Using the modal verb 要 (yào) for necessity.

3

行李放在这里保管。

The luggage is kept here.

Passive context without using 'bei'.

4

保管员在哪里?

Where is the custodian?

Noun form: 保管员.

5

我会帮你保管好的。

I will keep it safe for you.

Future intent with 会 (huì).

6

这些书由我保管。

These books are kept by me.

Using 由 (yóu) to indicate responsibility.

7

请妥善保管贵重物品。

Please keep valuables properly.

Introducing the formal adverb 妥善 (tuǒshàn).

8

他没保管好我的伞。

He didn't take good care of my umbrella.

Negative resultative: 没...好.

1

请把这份文件保管在柜子里。

Please keep this document in the cabinet.

Standard 把 (bǎ) construction.

2

这台电脑由公司保管。

This computer is kept/managed by the company.

Institutional custody.

3

保管这些资料是我的责任。

Keeping these materials is my responsibility.

Using the verb as a gerund/subject.

4

你应该把钱保管在银行里。

You should keep your money in the bank.

Giving advice on security.

5

他负责保管实验室的设备。

He is responsible for keeping the lab equipment.

Using 负责 (fùzé - to be responsible for).

6

这些旧照片保管得很差。

These old photos were kept very poorly.

Descriptive complement with 得 (de).

7

我们需要一个保管箱。

We need a safe deposit box.

Compound noun: 保管箱.

8

他一直为我保管着那个秘密。

He has been keeping that secret for me.

Abstract usage with the aspect particle 着 (zhe).

1

公司要求员工妥善保管办公用品。

The company requires employees to properly look after office supplies.

Formal requirement context.

2

由于保管不当,这些文物受损了。

Due to improper storage, these cultural relics were damaged.

Using 'improper' (不当) as a modifier.

3

他被授权保管所有的财务记录。

He was authorized to keep all financial records.

Passive authorization structure.

4

请确认您的行李已被妥善保管。

Please confirm that your luggage has been properly kept.

Formal passive with 被 (bèi).

5

法律规定,合同必须保管五年。

The law stipulates that contracts must be kept for five years.

Legal duration context.

6

这家银行提供专业的资产保管服务。

This bank provides professional asset custody services.

Professional service terminology.

7

他保管着通往地下室的唯一钥匙。

He holds the only key to the basement.

Emphasizing exclusivity.

8

你要是把这事办成了,我保管你升职。

If you get this done, I guarantee you'll get a promotion.

Colloquial usage meaning 'guarantee'.

1

该博物馆致力于古代艺术品的保管与修复。

The museum is dedicated to the custody and restoration of ancient artworks.

Noun-like usage in a formal mission statement.

2

在法律上,保管人对物品的遗失负有赔偿责任。

Legally, the custodian is liable for compensation for the loss of items.

Legal terminology: 保管人 (custodian).

3

数字货币的私钥应由本人严密保管。

The private keys of digital currencies should be strictly kept by the individual.

Modern technical context.

4

他不仅仅是保管这些书,他是在保管一段历史。

He is not just keeping these books; he is keeping a piece of history.

Metaphorical/Literary depth.

5

由于环境湿度过高,文件的保管面临巨大挑战。

Due to high humidity, the preservation of documents faces great challenges.

Environmental/Technical challenges.

6

受托人必须以勤勉尽责的态度保管信托财产。

The trustee must safeguard the trust property with a diligent and responsible attitude.

High-level fiduciary language.

7

这批档案的保管等级被提升到了最高级。

The security level for these archives has been raised to the highest grade.

Security grading context.

8

这种传统工艺在民间得到了完好的保管。

This traditional craft has been perfectly preserved among the people.

Abstract cultural preservation.

1

保管职责的履行不仅关乎契约,更关乎诚信。

The fulfillment of custodial duties is not just about contracts, but about integrity.

Philosophical/Ethical discourse.

2

在那个动荡的年代,他冒着生命危险保管了这些珍贵的信件。

In those turbulent years, he risked his life to keep these precious letters.

Narrative/Historical context.

3

该协议明确了第三方机构在资产保管中的独立地位。

The agreement clarifies the independent status of third-party institutions in asset custody.

Complex legal/corporate structure.

4

他将那份思念深藏心底,如同保管着一件易碎的瓷器。

He hid that longing deep in his heart, as if keeping a piece of fragile porcelain.

Highly literary simile.

5

档案保管的数字化转型已成为业界的共识。

The digital transformation of archive management has become a consensus in the industry.

Industry-specific jargon.

6

即便是在最极端的条件下,该设施也能确保种子的安全保管。

Even under the most extreme conditions, the facility ensures the safe storage of seeds.

Scientific/Global context.

7

他被视为家族精神的保管者,承载着几代人的期望。

He is regarded as the custodian of the family spirit, carrying the expectations of generations.

Abstract noun usage: 保管者.

8

法律对保管合同项下的留置权作出了详尽规定。

The law provides detailed regulations on the right of lien under a custody contract.

Advanced legal theory.

Sinónimos

保存 照看 看管 收存 保护 掌管 代管

Antónimos

丢弃 遗失 变卖 损坏

Colocaciones comunes

妥善保管
负责保管
行李保管
严密保管
代为保管
保管期限
保管费用
保管不当
移交保管
集中保管

Frases Comunes

保管好

— Keep it well/safely. Used as a common reminder.

保管好你的钱包。

保管员

— A person whose job is to keep or manage things.

他是我们公司的保管员。

保管箱

— A safe or a safe deposit box.

把金条放进保管箱。

行李保管处

— Left luggage office / baggage storage.

火车站有行李保管处。

代管人

— A person acting as a temporary keeper.

他是这笔遗产的代管人。

保管责任

— The duty of care/responsibility for keeping something.

这是你的保管责任。

物归原主

— Return the kept item to its original owner (often follows successful keeping).

保管结束后要物归原主。

由谁保管

— Who is keeping it? / Who is in charge?

钥匙由谁保管?

委托保管

— To entrust someone with the keeping of something.

我委托银行保管我的首饰。

长期保管

— Long-term storage or keeping.

这些档案需要长期保管。

Se confunde a menudo con

保管 vs 保存 (bǎocún)

Bǎocún is for saving/preserving (files, seeds); bǎoguǎn is for custodial care (luggage, keys).

保管 vs 保护 (bǎohù)

Bǎohù is for protection from harm (environment, eyes); bǎoguǎn is for keeping safe in custody.

保管 vs 收藏 (shōucáng)

Shōucáng is for collecting for pleasure; bǎoguǎn is for looking after as a duty.

Modismos y expresiones

"完璧归赵"

— To return something intact to its owner. While not using the word '保管', it is the ultimate goal of good keeping.

我一定会把你的书完璧归赵。

Literary
"小心翼翼"

— With extreme caution. Often describes how one should '保管' something fragile.

他小心翼翼地保管着那只古董碗。

Common
"视若珍宝"

— To regard as a treasure. Describes the attitude of someone '保管'-ing something very valuable.

他对手稿视若珍宝,精心保管。

Literary
"防患未然"

— To take preventive measures. Good '保管' involves this.

为了防患未然,我们要妥善保管火源。

Formal
"一丝不苟"

— Meticulous. Describes a very strict '保管员'.

他保管账目一丝不苟。

Commendatory
"安然无恙"

— Safe and sound. The result of good '保管'.

经过一年,这些画依然安然无恙。

Common
"恪尽职守"

— To fulfill one's duty scrupulously. Used for professional '保管员'.

保管员恪尽职守,确保物资安全。

Formal
"慎之又慎"

— Extremely cautious. Used when '保管'-ing very sensitive items.

保管机密文件要慎之又慎。

Formal
"束之高阁"

— To set aside and neglect (the opposite of active '保管').

他把这些建议束之高阁,不予保管。

Derogatory
"物尽其用"

— Make the best use of everything. Often contrasted with just '保管'-ing and never using.

东西不仅要保管,还要物尽其用。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

保管 vs 保证 (bǎozhèng)

Both start with 'bǎo' and can mean 'guarantee' in some contexts.

Bǎozhèng is a verbal guarantee of a fact or promise; bǎoguǎn is physical keeping of an object.

我保证准时到 (I guarantee I'll be on time).

保管 vs 管理 (guǎnlǐ)

Both share 'guǎn' and involve oversight.

Guǎnlǐ is broader management of people or systems; bǎoguǎn is specifically keeping an object safe.

他管理这家公司 (He manages this company).

保管 vs 照顾 (zhàogù)

Both mean 'to look after'.

Zhàogù is for living things (people, pets); bǎoguǎn is for inanimate objects.

照顾病人 (Look after a patient).

保管 vs 寄存 (jìcún)

Both used at luggage counters.

Jìcún is the act of checking in/depositing; bǎoguǎn is the act of the staff keeping it safe.

我要寄存行李 (I want to check in my luggage).

保管 vs 保持 (bǎochí)

Both start with 'bǎo' and mean 'keep'.

Bǎochí is for maintaining a state or habit; bǎoguǎn is for a physical item.

保持安静 (Keep quiet).

Patrones de oraciones

A1

请保管 [Object]。

请保管我的包。

A2

请保管好 [Object]。

请保管好你的钥匙。

B1

把 [Object] 保管在 [Place]。

把文件保管在抽屉里。

B1

[Object] 由 [Person] 保管。

钥匙由我保管。

B2

妥善保管 [Object] 是 [Person] 的责任。

妥善保管公章是秘书的责任。

C1

由于保管不当,[Object] [Result]。

由于保管不当,书发霉了。

C1

[Person] 负责 [Object] 的保管与维护。

他负责文物的保管与维护。

C2

[Abstract Object] 的保管关乎 [Value]。

家族传统的保管关乎血脉的延续。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

保管员 (custodian)
保管箱 (safe box)
保管费 (storage fee)
保管处 (storage place)

Verbos

保管 (to keep)
保管好 (to keep well)

Adjetivos

保管妥当的 (properly kept)

Relacionado

保证 (guarantee)
保护 (protect)
管理 (manage)
保存 (save)
保安 (security guard)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in travel, logistics, and administration.

Errores comunes
  • Using 保管 for people. 照顾 (zhàogù)

    You cannot 'custody' a person in a friendly way; you 'look after' them.

  • Saying '我保管秘密' casually. 我保守秘密

    Conservative (保守) is the standard verb for secrets.

  • Using 保管 instead of 保存 for files. 保存 (bǎocún)

    Digital items are 'saved' (保存), physical items are 'kept' (保管).

  • Forgetting the tone sandhi. Báguǎn

    Two 3rd tones in a row require the first to change to the 2nd tone.

  • Using 保护 for luggage. 保管 (bǎoguǎn)

    Protection (保护) is too broad; custody (保管) is specific to keeping an item.

Consejos

Use with 'Hǎo'

Always try to say '保管好' (bǎoguǎn hǎo) when giving advice; it sounds much more natural.

The 'Ba' Trick

Use the '把' construction: '把 [thing] 保管好'. This is the most common sentence pattern.

Travel Essential

Look for the characters '保管' at train stations if you need to leave your bags.

Tone Sandhi

Remember that 'bǎ' changes to 'bá' before 'guǎn' because they are both 3rd tones.

Office Talk

Use '负责保管' when describing your work duties regarding keys or documents.

Valuables

Combine with '贵重物品' (guìzhòng wùpǐn) to talk about keeping jewelry or money safe.

Legal Writing

Use '妥善保管' in contracts to specify the duty of care for provided assets.

The Guard

Associate 'Bǎo' with a Bodyguard and 'Guǎn' with a Manager. A bodyguard-manager keeps things safe.

Don't Overuse

If you just want someone to hold something for two seconds, '帮我拿一下' is more common than '保管'.

Trust

Understand that asking someone to '保管' something is a high-trust interaction in China.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a **Security Guard** (保) holding a **Management Pipe** (管) to keep your bag safe.

Asociación visual

Visualize a locker at a train station with the word '保管' written on it. You put your bag in, and it's 'managed' and 'protected'.

Word Web

Security Management Luggage Keys Safe Custodian Responsibility Trust

Desafío

Try to find three things in your room right now that you would ask a friend to '保管' if you went on a trip.

Origen de la palabra

Composed of '保' (to protect/shield) and '管' (to manage/pipe/control). Historically, '管' referred to a reed pipe or a key, leading to the meaning of management or control.

Significado original: To protect and manage simultaneously.

Sino-Tibetan

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but ensure you distinguish between '保管' (objects) and '照顾' (people) to avoid sounding like you treat people as objects.

Equivalent to 'safekeeping' or 'custody,' but used more frequently in daily life (like at a hotel) than the English word 'custody.'

The 'Imperial Household Department' (内务府) in the Qing Dynasty was the ultimate organization for '保管' of royal treasures. Classic literature often features characters entrusting 'tokens of love' (信物) to friends for '保管'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At a Hotel

  • 前台保管
  • 寄存行李
  • 保管箱密码
  • 遗失物品

In an Office

  • 保管公章
  • 重要文件
  • 档案室
  • 移交清单

On Public Transport

  • 随身物品
  • 妥善保管
  • 失物招领
  • 安全提示

At Home

  • 保管存折
  • 房产证
  • 保险柜
  • 备用钥匙

At a Museum

  • 文物保管
  • 恒温恒湿
  • 禁止触摸
  • 修复中心

Inicios de conversación

"你能帮我保管一下书包吗?我去买瓶水。"

"在你们国家,酒店通常怎么保管客人的行李?"

"你觉得电子钱包比实体钱包更容易保管吗?"

"如果你有一件非常珍贵的古董,你会交给谁保管?"

"你曾经因为保管不当丢过什么重要的东西吗?"

Temas para diario

写一写你最珍贵的一件物品,以及你是如何保管它的。

描述一次你在旅行中请别人帮忙保管行李的经历。

讨论一下在数字化时代,我们应该如何保管个人的隐私信息。

如果你是一家博物馆的保管员,你最想保管哪件文物?为什么?

谈谈‘信任’在委托他人保管物品时的重要性。

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No. For pets, use 照顾 (zhàogù) or 看 (kàn). 保管 is only for objects like keys or bags.

Usually, we use 保存 (bǎocún) for saving computer files. 保管 is for physical things.

A '保管员' is a staff member whose job is to look after things, like a storekeeper or a cloakroom attendant.

In some colloquial contexts, yes. For example, '我保管你赢' means 'I guarantee you'll win.' But this is informal.

It is called a '保管箱' (bǎoguǎn xiāng).

It's better to use 保守 (bǎoshǒu) for secrets, as in '保守秘密'. However, in legal terms, '保管信息' can be used.

拿 (ná) just means 'to hold' or 'to take'. 保管 means to hold it *and* keep it safe.

It's better to use a professional service. If you must ask a stranger, use '请帮我看一下' (Please watch this for me).

It's '保管费' (bǎoguǎn fèi).

It's neutral. It can be used in daily conversation and in formal legal documents.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence asking a friend to look after your bag.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Please keep your keys safe.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use the 'Ba' construction to say: 'Keep the money in the safe.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '保管员'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'I am responsible for keeping these documents.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a formal notice sentence about valuables.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Who is keeping the warehouse key?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '由' (yóu) to say: 'The luggage is kept by the hotel.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'The contract must be kept for ten years.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe a '保管箱' in one sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '保管不当'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'I guarantee you will like this gift.' (Colloquial usage)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'The museum keeps ancient art.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about 'digital custody' (数字资产保管).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Please look after my phone for a moment.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '严密保管'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'There is a luggage storage place at the station.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use '保管着' to describe someone holding a secret.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'The custody of these archives is very important.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about '保管费'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Please look after my bag' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Keep the keys safe' using '好'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Ask 'Where is the luggage storage?'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I will keep it for you.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The teacher is keeping our passports.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Remind someone: 'Take care of your things.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I am responsible for the keys.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Keep the documents in the cabinet.' (Ba construction)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'This is my responsibility.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Tell a child: 'Don't lose your toys, keep them well.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The safe box is empty.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The storage fee is expensive.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Improper storage caused the damage.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I guarantee you'll like it.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'These are kept by me.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Keep the secret strictly.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The museum has many treasures.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Ask 'How long can you keep this for me?'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I lost the key I was keeping.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Please sign the custody form.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '请妥善保管好您的随身物品。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '行李保管处在右边。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '他是仓库的保管员。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '把钱保管好,别乱花。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '这份协议由律师保管。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '这里的保管费怎么算?'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '由于保管不当,茶叶发霉了。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '请交由前台代为保管。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '我们需要一个更大的保管箱。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '严密保管商业机密很重要。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '合同的保管期限到期了。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '他在保管这个古老的传统。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '谁负责保管实验室钥匙?'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '我会为你保管好这个秘密。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the word: '保管人对损失负有责任。'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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