‘散装’ (sǎn zhuāng) literally combines ‘散’ (sǎn), meaning ‘loose’, ‘unpacked’, or ‘bulk’, and ‘装’ (zhuāng), meaning ‘to package’ or ‘to load’. Together, it refers to goods sold or stored without individual packaging — for example, rice, nuts, or cleaning supplies poured directly into bins or bags at a store. It emphasizes the absence of sealed, branded, or pre-portioned containers.

This term is common in everyday shopping contexts, especially in supermarkets, wet markets, and zero-waste stores. It contrasts with ‘预包装’ (yù bāozhuāng, pre-packaged) or ‘盒装’ (hé zhuāng, boxed). While ‘散装’ implies cost-effectiveness and flexibility in quantity, it may also raise concerns about freshness, hygiene, or shelf life — so it’s often used alongside phrases like ‘散装食品’ (loose food) or ‘散装饮料’ (bulk beverages).