躲

• Pinyin: duǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 躲 = 身 (body) + 朵 (phonetic component)

Meaning

To hide; to avoid; to dodge. Used for both physical hiding and avoiding situations or people.

Can mean physically concealing oneself or evading/avoiding something unpleasant like responsibility, danger, or awkward encounters. Often implies a deliberate effort to stay out of sight or away from trouble.

Examples

1. 下雨了，我们躲到屋檐下吧。 It's raining — let's take shelter under the eaves.
2. 他最近一直躲着我，不知道为什么。 He's been avoiding me lately, and I don't know why.
3. 小猫躲在沙发后面，怎么叫都不出来。 The kitten is hiding behind the sofa and won't come out no matter how much you call.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, emergency

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 快躲起来，他来了！(Quick, hide — he's coming!)
• 别躲了，我看见你了。(Stop hiding, I can see you.)

Don't Say

• 躲一个问题 (Don't say 躲一个问题 for 'avoid a question' — use 回避 or 躲避 instead for abstract avoidance)

Origin & History

Composed of 身 (body) radical suggesting physical action, combined with phonetic components indicating concealment.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal