包装

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 包装 (ほうそう) is an action noun for wrapping an item and a noun for the package layer around it.
• Basic usage: 贈り物を紙で包装した marks the gift as object and paper as means, while 商品の包装を開ける makes the existing package layer what is opened.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Wrapping action and resulting package
  • 包装した names the wrapping process, whereas 商品の包装 refers to the resulting package layer. The second example should not be broadened to say the product itself was opened.