四处

• Pinyin: sì chù
• Hanzi breakdown: 四 = four; 处 = place — in all four directions, everywhere

Meaning

Everywhere; in all directions; all around. Indicates looking or moving in multiple directions or locations.

Often collocates with verbs of motion or searching: 四处张望 (look around in all directions), 四处奔波 (rush about everywhere), 四处寻找 (search everywhere). Similar to 到处 but emphasizes spreading out in multiple directions. Can convey restlessness or thoroughness.

Examples

1. 他四处打听，终于找到了失散多年的亲人。 He asked around everywhere and finally found his long-lost relative.
2. 孩子们在公园里四处奔跑玩耍。 Children run around playing everywhere in the park.
3. 她四处求职，却处处碰壁。 She looked for jobs everywhere but hit walls at every turn.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, description, daily life

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 他四处找钥匙找了半天。(He spent ages looking everywhere for his keys.)
• 消息很快四处传开了。(The news quickly spread everywhere.)

Don't Say

• 固定待在一个地方不用'四处' (Don't use 四处 for staying in one place — it implies movement in multiple directions)

Origin & History

Compound of 四 (four) + 处 (place, direction). Literally 'four places/directions,' meaning all around.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal