Definitions

bāo to cook slowly over a low flame; pot; saucepan

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

is a phonosemantic compound: (huǒ, 'fire') sits at the bottom and gives the meaning, while (bǎo) above provides the sound. It denotes a deep, thick-walled pot, often made of clay or metal, that retains heat for long, slow cooking, and by extension the technique itself: gently simmering soups, stews, or porridges over a low flame. This vessel and method are hallmarks of southern Chinese cuisine, especially the slow-cooked soups and clay pot rice dishes of Guangdong.