追尾

• Pinyin: zhuī wěi
• Hanzi breakdown: 追 = 辶 + 丿 + 口 (chase); 尾 = 尸 + 毛 (tail)

Meaning

Rear-end collision; to rear-end. A traffic accident where one vehicle crashes into the back of another.

A common traffic term describing collisions where a vehicle hits the one in front of it. Usually the fault of the following driver who failed to maintain safe distance. Very common in traffic reports and insurance discussions.

Examples

1. 高速公路上发生了多车追尾事故。 A multi-car pileup happened on the highway.
2. 他因追尾被判负全责。 He was found fully at fault for rear-ending another car.
3. 雾天行车容易发生追尾。 Driving in foggy weather can easily lead to rear-end collisions.

Usage Guide

Context: traffic, insurance, news

Tone: factual

Do Say

• 保持安全车距可以有效避免追尾事故。(Maintaining a safe following distance can effectively prevent rear-end collisions.)
• 这起追尾事故导致三人受伤。(This rear-end collision caused three people to be injured.)

Don't Say

• 追尾某人 — 追尾 is only for vehicle collisions; use 跟踪 for following people

Origin & History

追 (to chase, to follow) + 尾 (tail, rear)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal