躲藏
To hide
Littéralement: 躲 (to avoid/hide) + 藏 (to conceal/store)
Use `躲藏` when you are physically out of sight, like in hide-and-seek or avoiding a crowd.
En 15 secondes
- Physically concealing your body from view.
- Used for games, animals, or avoiding people.
- Requires a physical location like a room or forest.
Signification
It means to tuck yourself away so nobody can see you, whether you are playing hide-and-seek or avoiding a clingy ex.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Playing with a niece
小猫躲藏在沙发下面。
The kitten is hiding under the sofa.
Playing hide and seek
轮到你躲藏了，快去！
It's your turn to hide, go quickly!
A suspenseful movie scene
他在森林里躲藏了三天。
He hid in the forest for three days.
Contexte culturel
The character `藏` originally depicted a servant hiding something in a vessel. In modern China, the phrase is most famously linked to the game 'Zhuo Mi Cang' (Hide and Seek), a universal childhood experience that bridges generations.
The 'Directional' Secret
If you want to sound like a native, add `起来` (qǐlái) after the verb. `躲藏起来` sounds more complete and natural in spoken Chinese.
Don't Hide the Truth
Never use `躲藏` for secrets or lies. If you're hiding a secret, use `藏` or `隐瞒`. `躲藏` is only for your physical body!
En 15 secondes
- Physically concealing your body from view.
- Used for games, animals, or avoiding people.
- Requires a physical location like a room or forest.
What It Means
躲藏 is your go-to word for physically concealing yourself. It describes the act of making your body invisible to others. Think of it as the 'stealth mode' of the Chinese language. It is active, intentional, and usually involves a physical space.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb. You can say someone is 躲藏 in a closet or under a bed. It often pairs with the word 在 to show location. For example, 他在树后躲藏. It feels very natural when describing games or suspenseful movie scenes. You can also use it for animals hiding in the wild.
When To Use It
Use it during a game of hide-and-seek with friends. Use it when describing a shy cat under the sofa. It works well in storytelling or reporting news about someone 'on the run.' If you are texting a friend that you are hiding from a boring meeting, this works perfectly. It is a very versatile, middle-of-the-road word.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for hiding feelings or secrets. For abstract things like 'hiding the truth,' use 隐瞒 instead. Also, if you are just 'avoiding' someone on the street without physically ducking behind a trash can, use 躲避. 躲藏 requires a physical hiding spot. Don't use it if you are just staying home and being a hermit; that's more like 宅.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'hiding' often appears in ancient military strategies. The word 藏 has roots in storing grain or treasures away safely. Today, it’s mostly associated with childhood innocence through games like 捉迷藏 (hide-and-seek). There is a slight nuance of 'seeking safety' or 'finding a sanctuary' in the word. It’s not always about being sneaky; sometimes it’s about protection.
Common Variations
The most common variation is 躲, which is just the short, punchy version. You’ll hear 藏起来 very often in daily speech. If you want to sound more literary, you might see 潜藏. But for your daily life, 躲藏 is the gold standard for being out of sight.
Notes d'usage
Mainly used for people and animals. It's a neutral term that fits most daily situations without sounding too stiff or too slangy.
The 'Directional' Secret
If you want to sound like a native, add `起来` (qǐlái) after the verb. `躲藏起来` sounds more complete and natural in spoken Chinese.
Don't Hide the Truth
Never use `躲藏` for secrets or lies. If you're hiding a secret, use `藏` or `隐瞒`. `躲藏` is only for your physical body!
The 'Ostrich' Logic
In China, if someone is 'hiding' from responsibilities, people might call them an 'ostrich' (鸵鸟政策). They are `躲藏` from reality.
Exemples
6小猫躲藏在沙发下面。
The kitten is hiding under the sofa.
A very common way to describe pets or kids.
轮到你躲藏了，快去！
It's your turn to hide, go quickly!
Direct instruction in a game context.
他在森林里躲藏了三天。
He hid in the forest for three days.
Used to describe a duration of staying hidden.
看到前任，我赶紧找个地方躲藏。
I saw my ex and quickly found a place to hide.
Relatable, slightly dramatic social use.
他不习惯人多，总是躲藏在角落里。
He's not used to crowds and always hides in the corner.
Describes a habitual social behavior.
嫌疑人可能躲藏在废弃的工厂。
The suspect might be hiding in an abandoned factory.
Standard usage in investigative or formal reporting.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a game.
孩子们正在花园里___。
`躲藏` is for physical hiding, while `隐瞒` is for hiding facts.
Pick the best location marker for this phrase.
他躲藏___桌子下面。
`在` is used to indicate the location where the action of hiding is happening.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Hiding'
Short and quick
藏起来 (Cáng qǐlái)
Standard daily use
躲藏 (Duǒcáng)
Literary or serious
潜藏 (Qiáncáng)
When to use 躲藏
Games
Hide and seek
Animals
Scared pets
Safety
Avoiding danger
Social
Avoiding an awkward chat
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot really. For objects, just use 藏 (cáng). 躲藏 implies the subject is a person or animal doing the hiding.
It's neutral. It's not 'fancy,' but in super casual talk, you might just say 藏起来 (cáng qǐlái).
躲 is broader and can mean 'to dodge' a ball. 躲藏 specifically means to stay hidden in a spot.
No. For feelings, use 隐藏 (yǐncáng). 躲藏 is for your physical self.
The game is called 捉迷藏 (zhuō mí cáng), which literally means 'catch and hide-seek'.
Usually, we use 笼罩 (lóngzhào) for fog. 躲藏 is for intentional hiding by living things.
Only if someone is literally hiding from their boss in the breakroom! Otherwise, it's rare in professional contexts.
It can be neutral (a game) or negative (a criminal), depending on the context.
The opposite is 现身 (xiànshēn) or 出现 (chūxiàn), meaning to show oneself or appear.
No, that's a common mistake. Use 保守秘密 (keep a secret) or 隐瞒 (conceal).
Expressions liées
捉迷藏 (Hide and seek)
隐藏 (To conceal/hide feelings)
躲避 (To avoid/dodge)
藏起来 (To hide away)
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