逃跑
To run away/escape
Literally: Escape + Run
Use `逃跑` when someone physically flees a scene or urgently avoids a negative situation.
In 15 Seconds
- To physically run away or escape from a situation.
- Used for people, animals, or avoiding scary responsibilities.
- Neutral tone suitable for stories, news, and daily life.
Meaning
It describes the act of running away or escaping from a situation, a person, or a place, usually because you are scared or don't want to face something.
Key Examples
3 of 6Describing a movie scene
小偷看到警察后立刻逃跑了。
The thief ran away immediately after seeing the police.
Talking about a pet
我的猫看到水就想逃跑。
My cat wants to run away as soon as it sees water.
Humorous social exit
太尴尬了，我真想现在就逃跑！
This is so embarrassing, I really want to run away right now!
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply rooted in the 'Thirty-Six Stratagems' (三十六计), where the final tactic is 'If all else fails, retreat' (走为上计). This makes 'running away' a recognized strategic choice in Chinese history rather than just an act of fear. Today, it is often used humorously by young people to describe avoiding social obligations or 'escaping' the pressures of the '996' work culture.
The 'Le' Particle
You'll almost always see `了` (le) after `逃跑` because the escape usually already happened or is starting.
Not for Exercise
Don't confuse `逃跑` with `跑步` (pǎobù). The latter is for jogging or exercise. You don't want to tell your trainer you're 'escaping' the gym!
In 15 Seconds
- To physically run away or escape from a situation.
- Used for people, animals, or avoiding scary responsibilities.
- Neutral tone suitable for stories, news, and daily life.
What It Means
逃跑 is your go-to word for 'running away.' It combines 逃 (to escape) and 跑 (to run). It is very literal. You use it when someone physically bolts from a scene. It can also mean avoiding a responsibility. It feels active and urgent. Think of a cat fleeing a bath. That is 逃跑 in action.
How To Use It
Use it as a verb in most sentences. You can say someone 'already 逃跑了.' It often follows a reason for the escape. You can use it for people, animals, or even feelings. It is a simple, two-character building block. It works well with 'want to' (想) or 'must' (必须). Don't overthink the grammar here. Just place it where the action happens.
When To Use It
Use it when a thief runs from the police. Use it when you see a bug and bolt. It is perfect for storytelling or describing news events. If you are playing hide and seek, this is the word. Use it when describing a movie scene. It fits perfectly in casual chats about avoiding chores too. Your friends will find it relatable and clear.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for 'leaving' a party early. That is just 走 or 离开. 逃跑 implies you are fleeing something bad. Don't use it for 'running' a business. That is a different 'run.' Avoid using it in high-level legal documents. There are more formal words for 'fugitives' there. It is too physical for just 'quitting' a job quietly. Keep it for moments with a bit of drama.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 逃跑 has a long history in military stories. Think of the 'Thirty-Six Stratagems.' The last and best stratagem is often 'running away.' It is seen as a smart move, not just cowardice. If you can't win, you 逃跑 to fight another day. It is a practical approach to survival. Modern pop culture uses it for 'escaping' the stress of city life.
Common Variations
逃走 is a very close cousin. It means 'to escape and be gone.' 逃命 is much more intense. It means 'running for your life.' If you are just avoiding work, you might use 逃避. That is more about mental avoidance. For a quick, slangy version, some might just say 溜了. That means 'I'm slipping away now.'
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is most commonly found in narrative contexts or when describing a physical action of fleeing.
The 'Le' Particle
You'll almost always see `了` (le) after `逃跑` because the escape usually already happened or is starting.
Not for Exercise
Don't confuse `逃跑` with `跑步` (pǎobù). The latter is for jogging or exercise. You don't want to tell your trainer you're 'escaping' the gym!
The Ultimate Strategy
If you hear someone say '三十六计，走为上计', they are jokingly suggesting that `逃跑` is the best solution to their current problem.
Examples
6小偷看到警察后立刻逃跑了。
The thief ran away immediately after seeing the police.
A standard, literal use of the phrase.
我的猫看到水就想逃跑。
My cat wants to run away as soon as it sees water.
Shows the phrase used for animals in a common scenario.
太尴尬了，我真想现在就逃跑！
This is so embarrassing, I really want to run away right now!
Uses the phrase figuratively for social discomfort.
别害怕，我们快点逃跑吧。
Don't be afraid, let's run away quickly.
Expresses urgency and fear.
会议太无聊了，我想偷偷逃跑。
The meeting is so boring, I want to sneak away.
Informal use implying leaving a dull situation.
那个司机撞车后逃跑了。
That driver ran away after the car crash.
Used in a serious context like a hit-and-run.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to describe a prisoner escaping.
那个犯人从监狱___了。
`逃跑` specifically means to escape or flee, which fits a prison break context.
How would you say 'don't run away' to someone avoiding a talk?
别___，我们谈谈吧。
In this context, `逃跑` means avoiding the conversation or 'running away' from the issue.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Running Away'
Slipping away quietly
溜了 (liū le)
Standard 'run away'
逃跑 (táo pǎo)
Fleeing/Absconding
潜逃 (qián táo)
When to use 逃跑
Action Movies
Hero escaping villains
Pet Care
Dog avoiding a bath
Crime News
Suspect fleeing scene
Social Anxiety
Leaving a bad date
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's a bit dramatic. Unless you are literally running out the door, use 辞职 (cízhí) for quitting.
Not inherently, but it implies cowardice or guilt depending on the context. Use it carefully when talking about friends.
They are very similar. 逃跑 emphasizes the act of running, while 逃走 emphasizes the result of being gone.
Yes, you can say 逃跑用的车 (táo pǎo yòng de chē) to describe a vehicle used for escaping.
You say 不要逃跑 (bú yào táo pǎo) or more naturally 别逃跑 (bié táo pǎo).
Generally no. In sports, you use 撤退 (chètuì) for retreat or just talk about defense.
Absolutely! It's the standard word for a pet escaping from a yard or a cage, like 小狗逃跑了.
No, that is 躲 (duǒ). 逃跑 requires movement away from a point.
Yes, 溜了 (liū le) is very popular online to mean 'I'm out of here' or 'I'm slipping away'.
Metaphorically, yes. You can 逃跑 from your feelings, though 逃避 (táobì) is more common for mental avoidance.
Related Phrases
逃避
To evade or avoid (responsibilities/reality)
跑步
To jog or run (for exercise)
溜了
To slip away (slang)
撤退
To retreat (military or strategic)
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