捉迷藏

• Pinyin: zhuō mí cáng
• Hanzi breakdown: 捉 = 扌 + 足 (catch); 迷 = 辶 + 米 (lost); 藏 = 艹 + 臧 (hide)

Meaning

Hide and seek; to play hide and seek. A children's game where one person searches for others who are hiding.

The classic children's game known worldwide. Metaphorically used to describe evasive behavior, unclear communication, or situations where people are not being straightforward with each other.

Examples

1. 孩子们在花园里捉迷藏。 The kids are playing hide-and-seek in the garden.
2. 别跟我捉迷藏了，有话直说! Stop playing games with me—just say what you mean!
3. 这只猫喜欢和主人捉迷藏。 This cat likes to play hide-and-seek with its owner.

Usage Guide

Context: children, games, metaphorical

Tone: playful

Do Say

• 周末带孩子去公园玩捉迷藏。(Take the kids to the park to play hide and seek on the weekend.)
• 他总是跟我捉迷藏，不愿意正面回答问题。(He's always playing hide and seek with me, unwilling to answer questions directly.)

Don't Say

• 办公室里玩捉迷藏 — inappropriate for professional settings unless literally describing children visiting

Origin & History

捉 (to catch) + 迷藏 (hiding in mystery)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal