Meaning:

Literally translated as “painful bag,” itabag refers to bags decorated with an extensive range of anime or manga merchandise.

In Japanese, the word “painful” (itai) can describe an extreme devotion or obsession. It was first used to describe anime cars, known as “itasha,” and then spread to become widely used. This is how these specially decorated bags, which showcase an individual’s intense passion, came to be known by this name.

The anime bag trend has been around for quite some time, but has recently begun gaining national attention in China. There are several ways to create your own itabag. You can either seek the expertise of a professional itabag maker or go the DIY route by bying a bag and decorating it yourself.

Example:

A: 我在给我十几岁的外甥女准备生日礼物。你有什么好建议吗？

Wǒ zài gěiwǒ shíjǐsuì de wàishēngnǚ zhǔnbèi shēngrì lǐwù。Nǐ yǒu shénme hǎo jiànyì ma？

I am preparing a birthday gift for my teenage niece. Do you have any suggestions?

B: 送个痛包不错。我听说现在的年轻女孩都很喜欢。

Sònggè tòngbāo búcuò。Wǒ tīngshuō xiànzài de niánqīng nǚhái dōu hěnxǐhuan。

An itabag would be a good choice. I hear they are very popular with young girls.