闯

• Pinyin: chuǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 闯 = 门 (gate, door) + 马 (horse), a horse charging through a gate

Meaning

To rush; to barge in; to venture.

Describes entering somewhere forcefully or unexpectedly, or boldly venturing into something new. Can be negative (barging in) or positive (bravely pursuing opportunities). Common phrases include 闯红灯 (run a red light) and 闯祸 (cause trouble).

Examples

1. 他没敲门就闯进了办公室。 He barged into the office without knocking.
2. 年轻人应该出去闯一闯，别总待在舒适区。 Young people should go out and venture into the world — don't always stay in your comfort zone.
3. 闯红灯是非常危险的行为。 Running a red light is extremely dangerous.

Usage Guide

Context: entering, venturing, violations

Tone: dynamic

Do Say

• 别闯红灯！(Don't run the red light!)
• 出去闯闯吧。(Go out and make your way in the world.)

Don't Say

• 对客人说'你怎么闯进来了'很不礼貌——闯有未经允许强行进入的意思，对客人应该说'欢迎' (Saying 你怎么闯进来了 to a guest is rude — 闯 implies unauthorized entry; say 欢迎 to guests)

Origin & History

Originally meant a horse rushing through a gate. The character contains 门 (gate/door) suggesting bursting through.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal