长跑

• Pinyin: cháng pǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 长 = long; 跑 = 足 (foot) + 包 (phonetic), to run

Meaning

Long-distance running; marathon-style running. Athletic activity covering extended distances.

A noun referring to running events or training over long distances, typically 3,000 meters or more. Also used metaphorically to describe long-term endeavors requiring sustained effort and endurance. Common in sports contexts, fitness discussions, and metaphorical references to perseverance.

Examples

1. 他从小练习长跑，现在是省队的主力选手。 He has practiced long-distance running since childhood and is now a key athlete on the provincial team.
2. 创业是一场长跑，不能指望一夜暴富。 Starting a business is a marathon — you can't expect to get rich overnight.
3. 医生建议我每周进行两到三次长跑锻炼。 The doctor recommended that I do long-distance running two to three times a week.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, fitness, metaphor

Tone: active

Do Say

• 学校运动会的长跑比赛他拿了第一名。(He won first place in the long-distance race at the school sports meet.)
• 养成长跑习惯对心肺功能很有好处。(Developing a long-distance running habit is very beneficial for cardiovascular health.)

Don't Say

• 注意'长跑'和'马拉松'的区别 (Don't equate 长跑 with 马拉松 — marathon is a specific 42.195km race, while 长跑 is any long-distance running)

Origin & History

Compound of 长 (long) + 跑 (run). Literally 'long running,' distinguishing it from sprints or middle-distance races.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal