包子
bāo zi · HSK 1
steamed stuffed bun
🥟 包 (wrap) + 子 (noun suffix) = a wrapped thing, i.e. a stuffed bun
包 means to wrap or bundle; 子 is a common noun suffix attached to small round objects. Together they name the wrapped dough parcel filled with meat or vegetables that is steamed and eaten across China.
包 — 勹 wrap + 巳 fetus
包 is a pictograph showing a fetus (巳) wrapped inside a womb (勹, an enclosing shape). The original sense was 'to wrap' or 'enclose,' and it later extended to mean a bundle, package, or bag. It also serves as a phonetic component in many characters like 抱, 泡, and 饱.
子 — pictograph of a baby/child with arms out
子 began as a pictograph of a swaddled infant with a large head and outstretched arms, originally meaning 'baby' or 'child.' From there it broadened to 'son,' 'offspring,' and a respectful suffix for masters like 孔子 (Confucius). It also became one of the twelve earthly branches.