跑

• Pinyin: pǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 跑 = 足 (foot) + 包 (wrap, phonetic component)

Meaning

To run. The basic verb for moving quickly on foot.

The standard word for running, whether for exercise, hurrying somewhere, or escaping. Also used in many compounds like 跑步 (jogging/running as exercise). Can figuratively mean to flee or to make a trip somewhere.

Examples

1. 他跑得很快。 He runs very fast.
2. 不要在教室里跑。 Don't run in the classroom.
3. 我每天早上去跑步。 I go running every morning.

Usage Guide

Context: movement, sports

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他每天跑步。(He runs every day.)
• 快跑！我们要迟到了。(Run! We're going to be late.)

Don't Say

• 我要跑一下步。(Unnatural — say 我要跑步 or 我要跑一会儿, don't split 跑步 with 一下)

Origin & History

The character contains 足 (foot) as the radical and 包 as the phonetic component, indicating a foot-related action.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal