Learning how to say “run” in different languages allows you to communicate effectively and understand native speakers. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “run” in Chinese, with various tips and examples. We will focus primarily on the standard Mandarin Chinese, but also touch upon regional variations when necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Run” in Chinese
When it comes to formal settings or situations where polite language is required, these are the phrases you can use to express “run” in Chinese:
- 跑步 (pǎobù): This is the general term used in Mandarin Chinese to convey “run.” It can be used in a variety of scenarios, from everyday conversations to athletics or sports. For example:
他每天都在公园里跑步。(Tā měitiān dōu zài gōngyuán lǐ pǎobù.)
Translation: He runs in the park every day. - 奔跑 (bēnpǎo): This term emphasizes the action of running energetically or with great speed. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts. For example:
孩子们在操场上奔跑着。(Háizimen zài cāochǎng shàng bēnpǎo zhe.)
Translation: The children are running on the playground. - 疾跑 (jípǎo): This phrase conveys the notion of running fast or sprinting. It is typically used when referring to running at high speed, such as in races or urgent situations. For example:
他疾跑着赶上了最后一班地铁。(Tā jípǎo zhe gǎn shàng le zuìhòu yībān dìtiě.)
Translation: He sprinted and caught the last subway.
Informal Ways to Say “Run” in Chinese
When communicating with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use these informal expressions to say “run” in Chinese:
- 跑 (pǎo): This is the simplest and most commonly used term for “run” in daily conversations. It is versatile and widely understood. For example:
我喜欢在早晨跑步。(Wǒ xǐhuān zài zǎochén pǎobù.)
Translation: I like to go for a run in the morning. - 跑跑 (pǎo pǎo): Adding a repetition to the verb 跑 (pǎo) intensifies the meaning, conveying the idea of an energetic or enjoyable run. It is often used to express enthusiasm. For example:
去公园跑跑吧，天气很好。(Qù gōngyuán pǎo pǎo ba, tiānqì hěn hǎo.)
Translation: Let’s go for a jog in the park; the weather is great. - 飞奔 (fēibēn): Unlike the previous terms, 飞奔 specifically means “to run swiftly” or “dash.” It implies a sense of urgency or excitement. For example:
他飞奔过来告诉我好消息。(Tā fēibēn guòlái gàosù wǒ hǎo xiāoxi.)
Translation: He dashed over to tell me the good news.
Regional Variations
Chinese is a diverse language with various regional variations. While Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken and understood, there are other dialects spoken in different regions of China. However, when it comes to the word “run,” the formal and informal terms mentioned earlier are widely comprehensible across these variations.
Cantonese:
In Cantonese, a regional variation spoken in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, the phrase for “run” is generally similar to Mandarin Chinese:
- 跑步 (paau5 bou6)
- 奔跑 (ban1 paau5)
- 疾跑 (zik6 paau5)
- 跑 (paau5)
Taiwanese Mandarin:
In Taiwan, where Taiwanese Mandarin is spoken, the formal and informal ways to say “run” are also relatively similar to standard Mandarin Chinese:
- 跑步 (pau7 bu6)
- 奔跑 (bîn-phau)
- 疾跑 (chik-phau)
- 跑 (pau7)
These variations should still be understood by speakers of other regional dialects, making them suitable choices in most situations.
Conclusion
In Chinese, expressing “run” can be done in various ways depending on the formality and context of your communication. The formal terms like 跑步 (pǎobù), 奔跑 (bēnpǎo), and 疾跑 (jípǎo) are suitable for more professional or appropriate situations, while the informal terms like 跑 (pǎo), 跑跑 (pǎo pǎo), and 飞奔 (fēibēn) are commonly used among friends and in casual conversations.
Remember that Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken and understood dialect, and the terms covered in this guide are generally comprehensible across different dialects. So, whether you’re practicing your language skills or just curious about expressing “run” in Chinese, incorporating these phrases into your vocabulary will help you communicate more effectively!
