避难

• Pinyin: bì nàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 避 = 辶 (walk) + 辟 (avoid); 难 = 又 (again) + 隹 (bird) — phonetic

Meaning

To take refuge; to seek asylum; to flee from danger.

Describes the act of escaping to a safe place during disasters, wars, or persecution. Can refer to physical evacuation or seeking political asylum. Often used in formal or news contexts.

Examples

1. 地震发生后，居民们纷纷前往附近的避难所躲避。 After the earthquake, residents headed to nearby shelters to take refuge.
2. 二战期间，许多犹太人被迫离开家园，前往其他国家避难。 During World War II, many Jewish people were forced to leave their homes and seek asylum in other countries.
3. 台风来临之前，政府呼吁沿海居民尽快转移到避难点。 Before the typhoon arrives, the government is urging coastal residents to evacuate to shelters as soon as possible.

Usage Guide

Context: emergency, news, humanitarian

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 他们一家人逃到邻国避难。(Their whole family fled to a neighboring country for refuge.)
• 这里是临时避难点。(This is a temporary shelter.)

Don't Say

• 用'避难'形容躲避日常小麻烦 (Don't use 避难 for avoiding minor inconveniences — it implies serious danger)

Origin & History

避 (avoid) + 难 (calamity). To avoid disaster.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal