布袋 (bù dài) literally means 'cloth bag' — 布 (bù) means 'cloth' or 'fabric', and 袋 (dài) means 'bag' or 'sack'. Together, they refer to a simple, reusable bag made of woven fabric, commonly used for carrying groceries, books, or personal items. Unlike plastic bags, 布袋 emphasizes eco-friendliness and durability, and it’s often promoted in China as part of environmental initiatives.

This term is neutral in register and widely understood across all age groups. It appears frequently in daily life — from supermarket announcements encouraging customers to bring their own cloth bags, to school supplies lists mentioning a cloth bag for art materials. While it can occasionally refer to traditional pouches used in folk performances (e.g., puppetry), its dominant modern meaning is practical and everyday.