A2 Collocation Neutro 3 min de leitura

抱臂

To cross arms

Literalmente: Hug arms

Use `抱臂` to describe the 'arms crossed' posture when someone is observing, waiting, or feeling defensive.

Em 15 segundos

  • Literally means 'hugging arms' to describe crossing them over the chest.
  • Used to describe body language, mood, or a specific physical posture.
  • Can imply being defensive, skeptical, or simply waiting for someone.

Significado

This phrase describes the physical action of crossing your arms over your chest. It is often used to show a person's attitude, like being defensive, thoughtful, or even a bit annoyed.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

Describing a friend waiting at a cafe

他正抱臂站在门口等我。

He is standing at the door with his arms crossed, waiting for me.

😊
2

A boss listening to a presentation

老板抱臂听着我的报告,表情很严肃。

The boss listened to my report with arms crossed, looking very serious.

💼
3

Watching a movie character

那个反派总是喜欢抱臂冷笑。

That villain always likes to cross his arms and sneer.

😄
🌍

Contexto cultural

While crossing arms is a universal human gesture, in Chinese literature and media, it often signifies a 'watcher' or someone who is detached from a situation. Historically, formal Chinese etiquette favored keeping hands at the sides or folded in front (hidden in sleeves), so '抱臂' carries a more modern, informal, or even defiant vibe.

💡

The 'Cool' Factor

In modern Chinese social media, `抱臂` is often used to describe a 'cool' or 'dominant' (A气) vibe. Use it when you want to describe someone looking like a boss.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 'Hug'

Always remember `抱臂` is self-contained. If you want to say 'hug someone,' use `拥抱` (yōng bào). Mixing them up could lead to a very awkward misunderstanding!

Em 15 segundos

  • Literally means 'hugging arms' to describe crossing them over the chest.
  • Used to describe body language, mood, or a specific physical posture.
  • Can imply being defensive, skeptical, or simply waiting for someone.

What It Means

抱臂 (bào bì) literally means to 'hug' your own arms. It describes that classic posture where you fold your arms across your chest. In Chinese, it is a very visual way to describe body language. It often implies a sense of observation or a specific mood. You might do this when you are cold. You might do it when you are waiting for a friend. It is a simple movement with many hidden meanings.

How To Use It

Using this phrase is quite straightforward in a sentence. You usually pair it with the particle to describe how someone is standing. For example, you can say someone is 抱臂而立 (standing with arms crossed). It functions as a verb-object construction. You can also use it to set a scene in a story. It helps the reader visualize the character's physical state immediately. It is a great 'show, don't tell' tool for your Chinese vocabulary.

When To Use It

Use this when describing someone's physical appearance in a moment. It is perfect for a business meeting where someone looks skeptical. Use it when describing a cool, aloof character in a movie. It works well when you are gossiping about a friend's reaction. 'He just stood there with his arms crossed!' is a classic scenario. It is also useful in medical or fitness contexts to describe posture. Think of it as a camera lens focusing on the upper body.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this if you mean 'hugging someone else.' That would be 拥抱. Don't use it if you are talking about carrying something in your arms. For carrying a baby or a box, use . This specific phrase is strictly for the 'arms-crossed' posture. Also, don't use it in very high-level formal writing unless describing a person. It is a bit too descriptive for a dry legal document. Keep it for stories, descriptions, and casual chats.

Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, body language is often more subtle than in the West. 抱臂 can sometimes be seen as a 'defensive' or 'closed' posture. In traditional etiquette, standing with arms crossed in front of elders might be seen as slightly disrespectful. It suggests you are not 'open' to their advice. However, in modern pop culture, it is often associated with being 'cool' or 'boss-like.' Think of a CEO in a tech magazine photo shoot. They are almost always 抱臂 to show confidence and authority.

Common Variations

You will often see the four-character idiom 抱臂旁观. This means to stand by with arms crossed and just watch. It implies you are not helping, just observing. Another common one is 胸前抱臂 (crossing arms in front of chest). This is just a more specific way to say it. You might also hear 两手抱臂 to emphasize using both hands. These variations help you sound more like a native speaker who pays attention to detail.

Notas de uso

This is a neutral, descriptive phrase. It is mostly used in narrative writing or when describing someone's appearance to a third party. It is not slang, but it's also not overly formal.

💡

The 'Cool' Factor

In modern Chinese social media, `抱臂` is often used to describe a 'cool' or 'dominant' (A气) vibe. Use it when you want to describe someone looking like a boss.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 'Hug'

Always remember `抱臂` is self-contained. If you want to say 'hug someone,' use `拥抱` (yōng bào). Mixing them up could lead to a very awkward misunderstanding!

💬

The 'Bystander' Idiom

If you see `抱臂旁观`, it's a critique! It describes someone who watches a problem but refuses to help. It's like saying 'standing by with folded arms.'

Exemplos

6
#1 Describing a friend waiting at a cafe
😊

他正抱臂站在门口等我。

He is standing at the door with his arms crossed, waiting for me.

A neutral description of a physical state.

#2 A boss listening to a presentation
💼

老板抱臂听着我的报告,表情很严肃。

The boss listened to my report with arms crossed, looking very serious.

Suggests a critical or evaluative attitude.

#3 Watching a movie character
😄

那个反派总是喜欢抱臂冷笑。

That villain always likes to cross his arms and sneer.

Used to describe a character's signature pose.

#4 Feeling cold in the winter

因为太冷了,她下意识地抱臂缩了缩脖子。

Because it was so cold, she instinctively crossed her arms and shrugged.

Describes a physical reaction to temperature.

#5 A tense argument between a couple
💭

她抱臂坐着,一句话也不肯说。

She sat with her arms crossed, refusing to say a single word.

Shows a defensive or angry emotional state.

#6 Describing a cool photo on social media
🤝

这张照片里你抱臂的样子真帅!

You look so cool with your arms crossed in this photo!

Used as a compliment for a 'cool' pose.

Teste-se

Choose the correct phrase to describe someone standing with crossed arms.

他___站在墙边,看着路人。

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: 抱臂

`抱臂` is the specific term for crossing one's arms. `拥抱` means to hug someone else.

Which particle is often used after '抱臂' to describe an ongoing state?

她正___地看着窗外。

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: 抱着臂

While `抱臂` is the concept, `抱着臂` (holding arms) is a common way to describe the continuous action in a sentence.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality of '抱臂'

Informal

Chatting with friends about someone's pose.

他抱臂的样子好搞笑。

Neutral

General description in a story or news.

他抱臂站在一旁。

Formal

Describing body language in a psychological report.

受访者呈现抱臂姿势。

When to use '抱臂'

抱臂 (Crossed Arms)
❄️

Feeling Cold

Crossing arms to stay warm.

🤨

Being Skeptical

Listening to an excuse.

😎

Looking Cool

Posing for a profile picture.

Waiting

Standing at a bus stop.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Not at all! While it can show annoyance, it often just means someone is thinking deeply or even just feels cold. In a sentence like 他抱臂沉思, it clearly means he is meditating or thinking.

Yes, it acts as a verb-object phrase. You can say 他抱了抱臂 to mean he crossed his arms briefly, perhaps because of a chill.

It's a bit too descriptive for a standard email. You'd usually only use it if you are describing someone's behavior in a report, like 他在会议中一直抱臂.

抱臂 is crossing arms over the chest, while 叉腰 (chā yāo) is putting hands on hips. 叉腰 usually looks more aggressive or impatient than 抱臂.

In formal literature, you might see 环抱双臂 (huán bào shuāng bì), which sounds a bit more poetic and descriptive.

Sure! If a kid is pouting, you might say 小明抱臂坐在那里生气 (Xiao Ming is sitting there with his arms crossed, being angry).

You usually put it before the main verb, like 他抱臂站着. You wouldn't usually put it at the very end of a sentence in Chinese.

No, it only describes the arm position. The person could be right next to you or far away.

Yes, it is standard Mandarin used across mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore. Everyone will understand it.

Absolutely. It's a great way to describe the pose of a sculpture, like 这座雕像呈抱臂姿势.

Frases relacionadas

叉腰

Hands on hips

旁观

To look on from the side

拥抱

To hug (someone else)

沉思

To be lost in thought

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