运

• Pinyin: yùn
• Hanzi breakdown: 运 = 辶 (movement) + 云, to transport/carry

Meaning

To transport; to carry; to move goods or people from one place to another.

A common verb in logistics and transportation. Extended meanings include luck/fortune (运气). Compounds: 运输 (transport), 运动 (movement/sports), 运费 (shipping cost), 航运 (shipping), 客运 (passenger transport), 货运 (freight).

Examples

1. 这批货物将用火车运到南方。 This batch of goods will be transported to the south by train.
2. 春节期间，运送旅客的压力很大。 During Spring Festival, the pressure of transporting passengers is great.
3. 这家公司专门运石油和天然气。 This company specializes in transporting oil and natural gas.

Usage Guide

Context: logistics, transportation, business

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这些货什么时候能运到？(When can these goods be delivered?)
• 运费多少钱？(How much is the shipping cost?)

Don't Say

• 我运你去 (For people, say 送: 我送你去; 运 is mainly for goods)

Origin & History

Originally depicted a wheel or circular motion. Extended to mean transport and luck (things coming around).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal