逃跑

• Pinyin: táo pǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 逃 = 辶 (walk) + 兆 (phonetic); 跑 = 足 (foot) + 包 (wrap, phonetic)

Meaning

To run away; to flee; to escape by running.

Emphasizes the act of running while escaping. Often used in contexts of avoiding danger, punishment, or responsibility. More active and urgent than just 逃. Common in news reports about criminals, war, or emergencies.

Examples

1. 小偷看到警察就立刻逃跑了，但还是被抓住了。 The thief ran away immediately when he saw the police, but was still caught.
2. 战争期间，很多平民不得不逃跑到邻国避难。 During the war, many civilians had to flee to neighboring countries for refuge.
3. 遇到危险时，逃跑并不是懦弱的表现，而是明智的选择。 When facing danger, running away isn't a sign of cowardice — it's a wise choice.

Usage Guide

Context: emergencies, crime, everyday

Tone: urgent

Do Say

• 他们逃跑了！(They ran away!)
• 别想逃跑。(Don't think about running away.)

Don't Say

• 我从办公室逃跑 when you just left work — too dramatic; use 下班了 or 离开了

Origin & History

Compound of 逃 (to flee) + 跑 (to run), combining escape and running for emphasis.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal