胞衣

bāoyī

noun

Meanings

1 afterbirth
2 placenta and fetal membranes

Characters

clothing; covering

Examples

HSK 6

中医药典中胞衣称为紫河车。

Zhōngyī yào diǎn zhōng bāoyī chēngwéi zǐ hé chē.

In traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia, the placenta is called 'zihecheh' (purple river chariot).

HSK 7-9

传统习俗里，胞衣常被埋在屋后。

Chuántǒng xísú lǐ, bāoyī cháng bèi mái zài wūhòu.

In traditional custom, the afterbirth was often buried behind the house.

Tips

culture

Literally 'womb-clothing'. Chinese folk tradition treated the 胞衣 as spiritually tied to the newborn, often buried in a special spot to protect the child's fortune. The TCM term 紫河车 refers to dried placenta used as a tonic.

Stroke Order

胞 bāo

衣 yī