Learning how to express the word “chase” in Chinese can be a fascinating endeavor. Whether you’re interested in formal or informal ways, this guide will provide you with various options and even delve into regional variations if necessary. So, let’s explore the many tips and examples to help you master the translation of “chase” in Chinese.
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Formal Ways to Say Chase in Chinese
When looking for a formal equivalent of “chase” in Chinese, you can consider the following options:
- 追赶 (zhuī gǎn): This phrase represents a straightforward and commonly used translation for “chase” in formal Chinese. It focuses on the action of pursuing someone or something, making it a perfect fit in official or polite contexts. For instance:
他追赶了窃贼很远。
Tā zhuī gǎn le qiè zéi hěn yuǎn.
He chased the thief for a long distance. - 追逐 (zhuī zhú): Similar to “追赶,” this formal term emphasizes the act of chasing. It can be used in various formal settings. For example:
警察在街上追逐罪犯。
Jǐng chá zài jiē shàng zhuī zhú zuì fàn.
The police are chasing criminals on the street. - 追捕 (zhuī bǔ): This formal phrase focuses on chasing with the intention of capturing or apprehending someone. It is commonly used in law enforcement or legal contexts when discussing pursuits or arrests. An example is:
警察一直追捕那个杀人犯。
Jǐng chá yī zhí zhuī bǔ nà gè shā rén fàn.
The police have been chasing the murderer all along.
Informal Ways to Say Chase in Chinese
If you’re looking for a more casual or colloquial way to express “chase” in Chinese, you can consider the following options:
- 追 (zhuī): This single-character word is a widely used informal term for “chase” in everyday conversation. It carries a similar meaning as the formal expressions, but it is more commonly heard among friends or in informal settings. For example:
我们一起追鲨鱼吧！
Wǒmen yīqǐ zhuī shāyú ba!
Let’s chase sharks together! - 追逐 (zhuī zhú): Although this was mentioned earlier as a formal option, it can also be used in a more casual way, similar to “追.” It adds a touch of excitement to the conversation. For instance:
那个小孩追逐着彩色气球。
Nàgè xiǎo hái zhuī zhú zhe cǎisè qìqiú.
That child is chasing colorful balloons.
Regional Variations of Saying Chase in Chinese
Chinese is a language rich in regional variations. While the aforementioned translations are widely understood across different regions, it’s worth mentioning one unique variation:
- 追住 (zhuī zhù): In some parts of southern China, particularly in the Cantonese-speaking regions, “追住” is commonly used to signify “chase.” This variation emphasizes the completion of the chase, as indicated by the character “住.” For example:
我们追住他们后，他们停下来了。
Wǒmen zhuī zhù tāmen hòu, tāmen tíng xiàláile.
After we chased them, they stopped.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in need of a formal or informal way to say “chase” in Chinese, this guide has provided you with an array of options. From the commonly used “追赶” and “追逐” to the more casual “追,” you can now express the act of chasing accurately in various contexts. Additionally, we explored the regional variation of “追住” found in Southern China, specifically in Cantonese-speaking areas. So go ahead, practice these translations, and enjoy adding a new element to your Chinese language skills!
