B2 noun Neutral 1 min read

包袱

bao fu /pao.fu/
Practice it

The word captures the weight of past experiences or duties that hinder one's ability to move forward freely.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to a cloth-wrapped bundle of personal belongings.
  • Figuratively describes psychological pressure or mental burdens.
  • Used in crosstalk to denote a punchline or joke.

Overview

  1. 1概述：包袱（bāofu）是一个极具中文特色的词汇，既有实指的“包裹”，更有深层的隐喻含义。从字面看，它是指把东西包在布里的包裹；从比喻义看，它指代那些阻碍一个人前进、让人感到沉重或不自在的事物。2) 使用模式：在现代汉语中，它常与动词“背”、“卸”、“丢”搭配。例如，“背上思想包袱”表示产生了心理压力，“卸下包袱”则表示解脱。3) 常见语境：在职场中，它常指过往的失败经历或沉重的业绩指标；在人际关系中，它指代过往的情感经历或家庭责任；在表演艺术中，它指代相声等艺术形式里的“笑料”。4) 词汇辨析：与“负担”相比，“包袱”更侧重于心理层面和主观感受，而“负担”则涵盖了经济、体力等多方面的压力。与“压力”相比，“包袱”往往带有一种“历史遗留感”或“自我束缚感”，仿佛是一个需要随身携带且无法轻易放下的重物。

Examples

1

我们应该卸下包袱，轻装上阵。

everyday

We should drop our burdens and start fresh.

2

他背负着沉重的思想包袱，无法专心工作。

formal

He is carrying a heavy mental burden and cannot focus on work.

3

别有偶像包袱，大方一点。

informal

Don't be so self-conscious about your image; just be yourself.

4

历史包袱阻碍了企业的创新发展。

academic

Historical baggage hinders the enterprise's innovation.

Common Collocations

背上包袱 To take on a burden
卸下包袱 To shed a burden
丢掉包袱 To cast off a burden

Common Phrases

抖包袱

To deliver a punchline

偶像包袱

Self-consciousness about one's image

思想包袱

Mental burden

Often Confused With

包袱 vs 负担

Refers to a general burden, which can be financial or physical. '包袱' is more specific to psychological or historical constraints.

Grammar Patterns

背上/卸下 + 包袱 有/没有 + 偶像包袱 历史/思想 + 包袱

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word is versatile but leans towards formal or reflective registers. It is highly idiomatic in psychological and social contexts. Avoid using it for physical objects unless referring to old-fashioned cloth bundles.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use it for physical luggage like suitcases, which is incorrect. Remember it is primarily a metaphor for mental weight. Do not use it to describe simple work tasks.

Tips

💡

Think of it as mental baggage

Visualize the word as a heavy backpack you are carrying. This imagery helps understand why we 'drop' (卸下) it to feel lighter.

⚠️

Do not confuse with literal luggage

While it can mean literal luggage, it is much more common to hear it in a psychological context. Be careful not to use it for airport suitcases.

🌍

The comedy connection

If you hear someone say '抖包袱' in a performance, they are talking about delivering a punchline, not carrying physical items.

Word Origin

Originally referred to a cloth wrapper used to carry clothes. Over time, it evolved to represent the 'weight' of things we carry with us, symbolizing the difficulty of letting go of the past.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, the concept of 'letting go' (放下) is highly valued. The '包袱' represents the human tendency to overthink or hold onto past mistakes, making it a common term in self-help and social discourse.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person carrying a cloth bundle on their back that contains all their past worries. Dropping that bundle makes them feel instantly free.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

意思是消除心理上的顾虑或压力，从而能够轻装上阵，更有自信地投入到新的任务中。

这是现代网络用语，指公众人物为了维持完美形象而不敢展现真实自我，显得拘束或不自然。

在相声艺术中，包袱指经过铺垫后引出笑料的过程，包括铺垫、引爆和反转。

不一定，虽然多指沉重的心理负担，但在特定语境下，它也可以指代需要承担的责任或使命。

Test Yourself

fill blank

他一直担心失败，这成了他沉重的心理___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 包袱

在表达心理压力和自我设限时，包袱是最地道的表达。

Score: /1

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