追赶

• Pinyin: zhuī gǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 追 = 辶 + 丿 + 口 (pursue); 赶 = 走 + 干 (catch up)

Meaning

To chase; to pursue; to catch up with. To run after someone or something, or to strive to match a higher standard.

Can describe physical pursuit of a moving target, or metaphorical striving to close a gap in achievement, development, or competition. Common in discussions of economic development and competitive contexts.

Examples

1. 警察在街上追赶小偷。 The police chased the thief down the street.
2. 发展中国家正在追赶发达国家。 Developing countries are catching up to developed countries.
3. 他奋力追赶前面的选手。 He pushed himself hard to catch up with the competitors ahead.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, competition, development

Tone: dynamic

Do Say

• 中国在科技领域正在追赶世界先进水平。(China is catching up with the world's advanced level in the field of technology.)
• 孩子们在草地上互相追赶玩耍。(The children chased each other playing on the grass.)

Don't Say

• 追赶时间 — use 赶时间 for being in a hurry; 追赶 implies chasing something

Origin & History

追 (to chase, to pursue) + 赶 (to catch up, to drive)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal