拥抱 meaning in English

拥抱 is a verb that can take a direct object, and it also works as a noun for "a hug." It sounds a bit warmer and more complete than plain 抱, and it is common in writing and in emotional moments. Example: 他们在机场拥抱了很久。(Tāmen zài jīchǎng yōngbào le hěn jiǔ.) They hugged at the airport for a long time.

Both 拥 (yōng) and 抱 (bào) have the hand radical 扌 on the left, so picture two hands at work. You wrap your arms around someone to 抱 them, and 拥 adds the sense of gathering them close.

Common mistake: Learners often say 拥抱 when they mean holding or carrying something, like a baby or a box. In that case use 抱 alone, as in 抱孩子 (bào háizi) "to hold a child," because 拥抱 means a mutual embrace between people.