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A2 noun 9 min read

抱枕

bao zhen
Examples Notes & Tips 抱枕 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 抱枕 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners should recognize '抱枕' (bàozhěn) as a basic household object. The focus is on identifying the item and using it with simple verbs like '有' (to have) or '是' (to be). For example, '我有抱枕' (I have a cushion). Learners should understand that it is different from a bed pillow ('枕头') and is usually found on a sofa. At this stage, the connection between the character '抱' (hug) and the object's use can serve as a helpful mnemonic. Phrases like '大抱枕' (big cushion) or '红色的抱枕' (red cushion) are appropriate for this level, allowing the student to practice basic adjectives and colors in a domestic context.
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At the A2 level, students should be able to describe the '抱枕' in more detail and use it in common daily scenarios. This includes using measure words correctly ('一个抱枕') and applying more descriptive adjectives like '软' (soft), '硬' (hard), or '舒服' (comfortable). An A2 learner might say, '这个抱枕很舒服' (This cushion is very comfortable). They should also be familiar with the verb '抱' (to hug) in its active sense: '我喜欢抱着抱枕' (I like holding/hugging the cushion). This level also introduces the context of shopping, where a student might ask, '这个抱枕多少钱？' (How much is this cushion?).
By B1, learners can use '抱枕' in more complex sentence structures and discuss its decorative or functional role. They should be able to use the word in the context of interior design or gift-giving. For instance, '我想买几个抱枕来装饰我的客厅' (I want to buy some cushions to decorate my living room). B1 students should also understand the distinction between '抱枕' and '靠垫' (lumbar cushion) and be able to explain their preferences. They might discuss the material, such as '棉质抱枕' (cotton cushion) or '羽绒抱枕' (down cushion), and use resultative complements like '把抱枕放好' (put the cushion away properly).
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At the B2 level, '抱枕' appears in discussions about lifestyle, office culture, and emotional well-being. A B2 learner might describe the 'office nap culture' in China and how '抱枕' is an essential tool for it. They can handle more abstract uses, such as using the word in a story to create a cozy atmosphere. They should also be comfortable with passive voice ('抱枕被弄脏了' - The cushion was soiled) and more sophisticated vocabulary like '人体工学抱枕' (ergonomic cushion). At this stage, they might also encounter the word in online reviews or marketing materials, understanding phrases like '高回弹性' (high resilience/bounce-back).
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C1 learners should be able to discuss '抱枕' within broader cultural and psychological contexts. This includes the trend of 'personalized cushions' in e-commerce and the subcultural phenomenon of '等身抱枕' (body pillows) in the ACG community. They can analyze the marketing strategies of home décor brands or discuss the environmental impact of synthetic fillings. A C1 student might use the word in a formal essay about domestic aesthetics or psychological comfort objects. They should also be familiar with idiomatic or metaphorical extensions, even if rare, and be able to use the word fluently in any social or professional setting involving design or textiles.
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At the C2 level, the learner has a masterly command of the word and its various nuances. They can engage in high-level discussions about the history of Chinese bedding and how the concept of the '抱枕' evolved from traditional ceramic pillows to modern soft furnishings. They can appreciate literary descriptions where a '抱枕' might symbolize loneliness or domestic intimacy. A C2 speaker can navigate technical discussions about textile manufacturing, such as the specific weave of a '抱枕套' (cushion cover) or the chemical properties of memory foam fillings. They understand the word's place in the vast lexicon of Chinese home life perfectly.
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Examples Notes & Tips

抱枕 in 30 Seconds

  • A 抱枕 (bàozhěn) is a cushion or throw pillow used for comfort and decoration in living areas.
  • The name literally means 'hug pillow,' reflecting its common use as something to hold while relaxing.
  • It is different from a 'zhěntou' (sleeping pillow) and is usually found on sofas, chairs, or in offices.
  • Commonly described as 'soft' (ruǎn) and 'comfortable' (shūfu), it is a staple of modern Chinese home life.

The Chinese word 抱枕 (bàozhěn) is a delightful compound noun that perfectly captures the essence of comfort and relaxation in a modern home. Etymologically, it is composed of two characters: 抱 (bào), which means 'to hug' or 'to embrace,' and 枕 (zhěn), which refers to a 'pillow.' Literally translated as a 'hug-pillow,' it refers to what English speakers call a throw pillow, cushion, or decorative pillow. Unlike a standard sleeping pillow (枕头 zhěntou), which is primarily functional for neck support during sleep, a 抱枕 is designed for versatility. It is an object of tactile comfort, often found on sofas, armchairs, or even office chairs.

Functional Usage
In a domestic setting, a 抱枕 serves multiple purposes. It can be used as a lumbar support while reading, a soft surface to lean against during a movie, or quite literally, something to hug during a nap or a moment of stress. In Chinese urban culture, the 抱枕 has become a staple of 'office napping culture' (午休文化 wǔxiū wénhuà), where employees keep a small cushion at their desks to facilitate a comfortable break.
Decorative Aspect
Beyond comfort, these items are essential for interior design. They come in various shapes, from standard squares to whimsical animal shapes or long cylindrical 'body pillows.' In Mandarin, describing a room as 'warm and cozy' (温馨 wēnxīn) often implies the presence of soft furnishings like these cushions.

我想买几个漂亮的抱枕来装饰我的新沙发。(I want to buy a few beautiful throw pillows to decorate my new sofa.)

The term is also deeply embedded in modern youth culture. With the rise of ACG (Anime, Comic, and Games) culture in China, the 'dakimakura' or long body pillow is frequently referred to as a 等身抱枕 (děngshēn bàozhěn). This highlights how the word has evolved from a simple household item to a significant cultural icon representing personal hobbies and emotional companionship. Whether you are discussing home improvement, office ergonomics, or gift-giving, 抱枕 is the indispensable term for that soft, huggable object that makes a space feel like home.

这个抱枕的手感非常软，摸起来很舒服。(This cushion's texture is very soft; it feels very comfortable to the touch.)

Common Varieties
1. 圆形抱枕 (yuánxíng bàozhěn) - Round cushion.
2. U型抱枕 (U-xíng bàozhěn) - U-shaped travel pillow.
3. 卡通抱枕 (kǎtōng bàozhěn) - Cartoon-themed pillow.

In summary, while the English language might distinguish between a 'cushion,' a 'throw pillow,' and a 'bolster,' Chinese often groups these under the umbrella of 抱枕, provided the primary interaction involves leaning against or hugging the object. It is a word that evokes warmth, relaxation, and the simple joys of domestic life.

Using 抱枕 (bàozhěn) in a sentence is relatively straightforward, but mastering the associated verbs and measure words will make your Chinese sound much more natural. The most common measure word for 抱枕 is 个 (gè), though you might occasionally see 只 (zhī) used for those shaped like animals.

Common Verbs
  • 抱 (bào): To hug/hold. Example: 我喜欢抱着抱枕看电视。 (I like holding a cushion while watching TV.)
  • 靠 (kào): To lean against. Example: 把抱枕垫在背后。 (Put the cushion behind your back to lean on.)
  • 洗 (xǐ): To wash. Example: 记得定期清洗抱枕套。 (Remember to regularly wash the pillowcase.)

沙发上放着两个蓝色的抱枕。(There are two blue cushions lying on the sofa.)

When describing the qualities of a 抱枕, adjectives related to texture and emotion are frequently used. Words like 软 (ruǎn - soft), 硬 (yìng - hard/firm), 舒服 (shūfu - comfortable), and 可爱 (kě'ài - cute) are standard pairings. If you are shopping, you might ask about the 填充物 (tiánchōngwù - filling), such as 羽绒 (yǔróng - down) or 棉花 (miánhua - cotton).

这个猫咪形状的抱枕是我的生日礼物。(This cat-shaped throw pillow was my birthday present.)

In more complex sentences, 抱枕 often appears in the context of home comfort or relaxation routines. For instance, '工作了一整天，回家靠在抱枕上真是太放松了' (After working all day, coming home and leaning on a cushion is so relaxing). Here, the word helps set a scene of relief and domestic bliss.

Placement Phrases
  • 放在沙发上 (Placed on the sofa)
  • 抱在怀里 (Held in one's arms)
  • 垫在腰后 (Padded behind the waist)

By understanding these patterns, you can use 抱枕 to describe everything from a simple living room setup to the specific way someone relaxes at the end of a long day.

If you spend any time in a modern Chinese environment, you will encounter the word 抱枕 (bàozhěn) in several distinct contexts. One of the most common places is during retail therapy. In stores like IKEA (宜家 Yíjiā) or Miniso (名创优品 Míngchuàng Yōupǐn), you will hear customers debating which 抱枕 matches their decor or which one feels the softest. Sales associates might use phrases like '这款抱枕正在打折' (This cushion is currently on sale).

The Office Environment
In the corporate world, specifically in tech hubs like Beijing's Zhongguancun or Shenzhen, the word 抱枕 is synonymous with the 'noon break' (午睡 wǔshuì). You might hear a colleague say, '借我一下你的抱枕，我想趴一会儿' (Lend me your cushion for a second, I want to lie down for a bit). Here, the 抱枕 is a tool for survival in a high-pressure work environment.

他在办公室准备了一个午睡抱枕。(He prepared a nap cushion in the office.)

Social media and e-commerce platforms like Taobao or Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) are also filled with this word. Influencers often post 'room tours' where they highlight their 高颜值抱枕 (gāo yánzhí bàozhěn)—cushions with high aesthetic value. Comments sections will be full of people asking, '抱枕有链接吗？' (Is there a link for the cushion?).

网上的抱枕款式非常多，挑得我眼花缭乱。(There are so many styles of cushions online that I'm overwhelmed by the choices.)

Domestic Conversations
At home, you might hear a parent telling a child, '别把抱枕扔在地上' (Don't throw the cushions on the floor) or a partner saying, '那个抱枕该洗了' (That cushion needs to be washed). These everyday interactions make the word one of the first household items learners should master.

Ultimately, whether it's a topic of interior design, personal comfort at work, or a trendy gift, 抱枕 is a word that pops up in almost every corner of modern Chinese life.

For English speakers learning Chinese, the most frequent mistake involving 抱枕 (bàozhěn) is confusing it with other types of pillows or cushions. While English uses 'pillow' for almost anything soft and stuffed, Chinese is more specific about the object's function and placement.

抱枕 vs. 枕头 (zhěntou)
The biggest pitfall is using 枕头 when you mean 抱枕, or vice-versa. A 枕头 is specifically a bed pillow used for sleeping at night. If you tell a salesperson you want a '枕头' for your sofa, they might be confused. Conversely, using a '抱枕' as your primary sleeping pillow might be seen as odd because they are often firmer or have decorative textures unsuitable for long-term sleep.

Incorrect: 睡觉时我需要一个软的抱枕。
Correct: 睡觉时我需要一个软的枕头。(When sleeping, I need a soft pillow.)

Another mistake involves the measure words. While 个 (gè) is the universal safe bet, beginners sometimes forget that for objects that come in pairs, 对 (duì - pair) is more appropriate. For example, '一对抱枕' (a pair of cushions). Using '两只' (liǎng zhī) is generally reserved for animal-shaped cushions, and using it for a plain square one sounds slightly non-native.

Mistake: 这个枕头在沙发上很好看。
Correction: 这个抱枕在沙发上很好看。(This cushion looks good on the sofa.)

Verb Misuse
Learners often use 拿 (ná - take) when they should use 抱 (bào - hug). If you are sitting on a couch holding a pillow, say '我抱着抱枕' rather than '我拿着抱枕'. The former conveys the sense of comfort, while the latter sounds like you are just holding it to move it somewhere.

By paying attention to the specific function of the pillow and using the 'hug' verb, you will avoid these common pitfalls and sound much more like a native speaker.

In the world of Chinese soft furnishings, several words are closely related to 抱枕 (bàozhěn). Understanding the nuances between them will help you describe your environment with greater precision.

抱枕 vs. 靠垫 (kàodiàn)
While these are often used as synonyms, 靠垫 literally means 'leaning pad.' It is usually flatter and firmer, specifically designed to support the lower back on a chair or sofa. A 抱枕 is typically fluffier and more versatile—you can lean on it, but its primary identity is something you can 'hug' (抱).
抱枕 vs. 枕头 (zhěntou)
As mentioned in the mistakes section, 枕头 is the bed pillow. It is functional, usually rectangular, and used for sleeping. A 抱枕 is decorative and for leisure. You wouldn't usually have a '枕头' on your living room sofa unless you were planning to sleep there permanently.
抱枕 vs. 坐垫 (zuòdiàn)
A 坐垫 is a seat cushion. You sit on it. While a 抱枕 might be placed on a chair, you sit against it or hold it. Confusing these might lead you to sit on a decorative pillow, which might ruin its shape!

我买了一个靠垫放在办公椅上，又买了一个抱枕放在沙发上。(I bought a lumbar cushion for my office chair and a throw pillow for the sofa.)

In specialized contexts, you might also hear 长条枕 (chángtiáo zhěn) for bolster pillows or 颈枕 (jǐngzhěn) for neck pillows used during travel. However, 抱枕 remains the most common catch-all term for any pillow that provides emotional or physical comfort through hugging or leaning.

比起硬邦邦的靠垫，我更喜欢软软的抱枕。(I prefer soft cushions over stiff lumbar pads.)

By mastering these distinctions, you'll be able to navigate a Chinese furniture store or describe your home life with the nuance of a native speaker.

Fun Fact

Ancient Chinese pillows were often made of ceramic, stone, or wood because they were believed to keep the brain cool and maintain hairstyles. The 'soft' 抱枕 is a relatively modern lifestyle adoption.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /baʊ dʒən/
US /baʊ dʒən/
Primary stress on the first syllable 'bào'.
Rhymes With
告 (gào) 照 (zhào) 本 (běn) 准 (zhǔn) 稳 (wěn) 笑 (xiào) 帽 (mào) 粉 (fěn)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'zhěn' as 'zhèn' (fourth tone).
  • Confusing 'bào' (hug) with 'pǎo' (run).
  • Failing to aspirate the 'zh' sound correctly.
  • Pronouncing 'bào' as 'bao' (first tone) like in 'steamed bun'.
  • Swapping the tones of the two characters.
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Examples by Level

1

我有一个抱枕。

I have a cushion.

Uses basic 'Subject + 有 + Object' structure.

2

抱枕是白的。

The cushion is white.

Basic color description using 是...的.

3

这是你的抱枕吗？

Is this your cushion?

Simple question with 吗.

4

沙发上有抱枕。

There is a cushion on the sofa.

Existential sentence using 上有.

5

我不喜欢这个抱枕。

I don't like this cushion.

Negative sentence with 不.

6

抱枕很小。

The cushion is very small.

Adjective usage with 很.

7

那是我的抱枕。

That is my cushion.

Demonstrative pronoun 那.

8

买一个抱枕。

Buy a cushion.

Imperative or simple action phrase.

1

这个抱枕非常软。

This cushion is very soft.

Use of degree adverb 非常.

2

我想买两个新抱枕。

I want to buy two new cushions.

Measure word 个 with a specific number.

3

他抱着抱枕睡觉。

He is sleeping while hugging a cushion.

The verb 抱 (to hug) used with the object 抱枕.

4

抱枕在床下面。

The cushion is under the bed.

Prepositional phrase for location.

5

这个抱枕很舒服。

This cushion is very comfortable.

Common adjective 舒服.

6

你喜欢哪一个抱枕？

Which cushion do you like?

Question word 哪一个.

7

我把抱枕放在椅子上了。

I put the cushion on the chair.

Simple 把 construction for placement.

8

这个抱枕不太贵。

This cushion is not too expensive.

Negative degree with 不太.

1

这些抱枕的颜色和沙发很搭。

The colors of these cushions match the sofa well.

Usage of 和...很搭 (matches well with).

2

他在网上订购了一个猫咪形状的抱枕。

He ordered a cat-shaped cushion online.

Noun modification with ...形状的.

3

如果你觉得腰疼，可以垫一个抱枕。

If you feel back pain, you can use a cushion for support.

Conditional sentence with 如果...可以.

4

这个抱枕是用纯棉做的，质量很好。

This cushion is made of pure cotton; the quality is good.

Passive structure 是用...做的.

5

我打算送她一个可爱的抱枕作为生日礼物。

I plan to give her a cute cushion as a birthday gift.

Usage of 作为 (as/in the capacity of).

6

虽然这个抱枕很漂亮，但是太占地方了。

Although this cushion is beautiful, it takes up too much space.

Conjunction 虽然...但是.

7

请帮我把那个抱枕拿过来。

Please help me bring that cushion over here.

Directional complement 拿过来.

8

这个抱枕的填充物是羽绒的。

The filling of this cushion is down.

Specific noun 填充物 (filling).

1

为了提高睡眠质量，他买了一个人体工学抱枕。

To improve sleep quality, he bought an ergonomic cushion.

Purpose clause with 为了.

2

办公室里几乎每个人的椅子上都有一个抱枕。

In the office, almost everyone has a cushion on their chair.

Usage of 几乎 (almost) and 每个人 (everyone).

3

这种材质的抱枕不容易变形。

Cushions made of this material do not easily lose their shape.

Usage of 不容易 (not easy to) + verb.

4

抱枕套可以拆下来清洗，非常方便。

The cushion cover can be removed for washing, which is very convenient.

Resultative complement 拆下来.

5

她喜欢在看书时把抱枕垫在膝盖上。

She likes to pad her knees with a cushion while reading.

Specific placement phrase 垫在...上.

6

这对抱枕给单调的房间增添了几分色彩。

This pair of cushions added a bit of color to the monotonous room.

Abstract verb 增添 (add/enhance).

7

由于长时间没洗，抱枕上已经落了一层灰。

Since it hasn't been washed for a long time, a layer of dust has settled on the cushion.

Cause and effect with 由于.

8

比起昂贵的家具，一些小抱枕更能体现主人的品味。

Compared to expensive furniture, some small cushions can better reflect the owner's taste.

Comparison structure 比起...更...

1

这款抱枕采用了记忆棉技术，能有效缓解颈椎压力。

This cushion uses memory foam technology and can effectively relieve cervical spine pressure.

Formal verb 采用 (adopt/use) and technical terms.

2

在现代家居设计中，抱枕被视为一种不可或缺的软装元素。

In modern home design, cushions are regarded as an indispensable soft furnishing element.

Passive voice 被视为 (is regarded as).

3

他收集了各种动漫主题的等身抱枕，装满了整个房间。

He collected various anime-themed body pillows, filling the entire room.

Specific term 等身抱枕 (body pillow).

4

这些手工刺绣的抱枕展现了极高的工艺水平。

These hand-embroidered cushions demonstrate an extremely high level of craftsmanship.

Formal verb 展现 (show/demonstrate).

5

抱枕的选择应当考虑到面料的透气性与亲肤感。

The choice of cushions should take into account the breathability and skin-friendliness of the fabric.

Formal structure 应当考虑到 (should take into account).

6

随着生活水平的提高，人们对抱枕的功能性要求也越来越高。

With the improvement of living standards, people's functional requirements for cushions are also getting higher.

Fixed phrase 随着...的提高 (with the improvement of...).

7

这种极简主义风格的抱枕，在视觉上给人一种宁静的感觉。

This minimalist style cushion gives a sense of tranquility visually.

Visual description structure 在视觉上...

8

尽管抱枕只是小摆件，但它在营造家庭氛围方面起着关键作用。

Although a cushion is just a small ornament, it plays a key role in creating a home atmosphere.

Usage of 在...方面起着关键作用 (plays a key role in...).

1

抱枕作为一种情感寄托，往往能缓解都市人的孤独感。

As a type of emotional sustenance, cushions can often alleviate the sense of loneliness in urban dwellers.

Abstract concept 情感寄托 (emotional sustenance).

2

设计师巧妙地利用抱枕的纹理与光影效果，构建出空间的层次感。

The designer skillfully used the texture and light/shadow effects of the cushions to construct a sense of spatial layering.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 层次感 (sense of layering).

3

在快节奏的社会中，一个柔软的抱枕成了许多人最后的避风港。

In a fast-paced society, a soft cushion has become the final haven for many.

Metaphorical usage of 避风港 (haven/harbor).

4

通过对抱枕填充材料的不断革新，该品牌成功占据了高端市场。

Through continuous innovation in cushion filling materials, the brand successfully occupied the high-end market.

Business Chinese terms like 占据 (occupy) and 革新 (innovation).

5

抱枕的演变史在某种程度上折射出人类对居住舒适度追求的变迁。

The evolution of the cushion to some extent reflects the changes in human pursuit of living comfort.

Philosophical verb 折射 (reflect/refract).

6

无论是丝绸的华贵还是麻布的质朴，抱枕都能赋予空间独特的灵魂。

Whether it is the luxury of silk or the simplicity of linen, cushions can endow a space with a unique soul.

Usage of 赋予 (endow/give) and 无论是...还是... (whether... or...).

7

这种带有民族元素的抱枕，是对传统文化的一种现代诠释。

This cushion with ethnic elements is a modern interpretation of traditional culture.

Cultural critique term 现代诠释 (modern interpretation).

8

他对此类家居饰品的痴迷，已经到了非名牌抱枕不买的地步。

His obsession with this type of home accessory has reached the point where he won't buy anything but brand-name cushions.

Advanced structure 非...不... (nothing but...).

Common Collocations

软软的抱枕
洗抱枕套
抱着抱枕
定制抱枕
卡通抱枕
沙发抱枕
垫个抱枕
一对抱枕
记忆棉抱枕
暖手抱枕

Common Phrases

等身抱枕

— A life-sized body pillow, usually 150-160cm long.

这个等身抱枕印着他喜欢的角色。

午睡抱枕

— A small pillow specifically used for napping at a desk.

他买了一个午睡抱枕放在办公室。

U型抱枕

— A U-shaped travel pillow for neck support.

坐长途飞机一定要带U型抱枕。

抱枕被

— A cushion that can be unzipped into a blanket.

抱枕被是旅行时的好帮手。

印花抱枕

— A cushion with printed patterns or designs.

这些印花抱枕很有艺术感。

刺绣抱枕

— A cushion with embroidered decorations.

手工刺绣抱枕非常昂贵。

亮片抱枕

— A cushion covered in sequins.

亮片抱枕在灯光下闪闪发光。

毛绒抱枕

— A plush or furry cushion.

毛绒抱枕摸起来特别暖和。

迷你抱枕

— A tiny, often keychain-sized cushion.

她包上挂着一个迷你抱枕。

丝绸抱枕

— A cushion with a silk cover.

丝绸抱枕看起来很华丽。

Idioms & Expressions

"高枕无忧"

— To sleep on a high pillow without worries; to be free from anxiety.

只要完成了任务，就可以高枕无忧了。

Literary/Common
"同床异梦"

— Sharing the same bed but having different dreams; being together but with different goals.

他们虽然合作，但实际上同床异梦。

Literary
"曲肱而枕"

— To use one's arm as a pillow; living a simple, contented life despite poverty.

他安贫乐道，过着曲肱而枕的生活。

Literary
"枕戈待旦"

— Pillowing one's head on a weapon waiting for dawn; to be combat-ready.

战士们枕戈待旦，随时准备出发。

Formal
"枕流漱石"

— Pillowing on a stream and rinsing with stones; to live as a hermit.

他退休后过起了枕流漱石的隐居生活。

Literary
"抱残守缺"

— To cling to the old and refuse to change (uses '抱' but not pillow).

我们不能抱残守缺，必须创新。

Common
"投怀送抱"

— To throw oneself into someone's arms.

他不喜欢那些投怀送抱的人。

Common
"安枕无忧"

— Similar to 高枕无忧; to rest easy.

问题解决了，大家可以安枕无忧了。

Common
"长乐未央"

— Eternal happiness (often associated with the comfort of home).

祝你们家庭幸福，长乐未央。

Literary
"温馨如家"

— Warm as home (often used to describe rooms with cushions).

这个小店布置得温馨如家。

Common

Word Family

Nouns

枕头 (pillow)
枕巾 (pillow towel)
枕套 (pillowcase)
怀抱 (embrace)

Verbs

抱 (to hug)
拥抱 (to embrace)
枕 (to rest head on)

Adjectives

柔软 (soft)
舒服 (comfortable)
温馨 (cozy)

Related

沙发 (sofa)
床 (bed)
靠垫 (lumbar cushion)
棉花 (cotton)
羽绒 (down)
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person 'Bao' (bowing) to pick up a 'Zhen' (gem) that is actually a soft pillow they want to hug.

Visual Association

Picture a giant teddy bear and a pillow merged together—that is your 'hug-pillow' (抱枕).

Word Web

Soft Sofa Hug Comfort Decor Sleep Gift Office

Challenge

Try to count how many '个抱枕' you have in your house and say the number in Chinese.

Word Origin

The term is a modern compound. '抱' (bào) dates back to ancient script representing a hand holding an object. '枕' (zhěn) originally referred to wooden or ceramic headrests used in ancient China.

Original meaning: Literally 'a pillow meant for hugging.'

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).
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