趟

• Pinyin: tàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 趟 = 走 (walk) + 尚 (phonetic) — originally to wade, now a measure word for trips

Meaning

A measure word for trips or journeys. Counts the number of times one travels somewhere.

Used to count round trips or journeys: 跑一趟 (make a trip), 白跑一趟 (make a wasted trip), 来回两趟 (two round trips). Also used for scheduled transportation: 这趟车 (this train/bus), 头趟 (first trip of the day). Implies effort and travel. Different from 次 which is more general for 'times.'

Examples

1. 为了这件事，他特意跑了三趟。 He made three trips specifically for this matter.
2. 我白跑了一趟，结果人家不在。 I made a wasted trip — turns out they weren't there.
3. 这趟火车要开六个小时。 This train journey takes six hours.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, errands, transportation

Tone: colloquial

Do Say

• 我得去银行跑一趟。(I need to make a trip to the bank.)
• 下一趟地铁几点来？(When does the next train come?)

Don't Say

• 网上办事不用'跑一趟' (Don't use 趟 for doing things online — it implies physical travel)

Origin & History

Originally meant to wade through water (趟水). Extended to mean a journey or trip, emphasizing the effort involved in traveling.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal