追逐

• Pinyin: zhuī zhú
• Hanzi breakdown: 追 = 辶 + 丿 + 口 (chase); 逐 = 辶 + 豕 (pursue)

Meaning

To chase; to pursue; to run after. Active pursuit of something, whether physical or abstract goals.

Describes energetic pursuit, from children playing chase to ambitious pursuit of dreams and success. More literary than 追, often used in figurative contexts about pursuing ideals, fame, or happiness.

Examples

1. 孩子们在沙滩上追逐嬉戏。 The kids chased each other and played on the beach.
2. 年轻人追逐梦想来到大城市。 Young people come to big cities to pursue their dreams.
3. 她厌倦了追逐名利的生活。 She got tired of a life spent chasing fame and fortune.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, aspirations, activities

Tone: dynamic

Do Say

• 追逐梦想的路上难免会遇到挫折。(On the road to pursuing dreams, setbacks are inevitable.)
• 猎豹追逐猎物的速度令人惊叹。(The speed at which cheetahs chase their prey is astonishing.)

Don't Say

• 追逐公交车 — for catching public transport, use 赶; 追逐 implies active hunting or aspiration

Origin & History

追 (to chase) + 逐 (to pursue, to drive)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal