táo

to escape

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Usage of (táo)

The character primarily means "to escape" or "to flee." It is commonly used to describe physically running away from danger or an undesirable situation, such as escaping from police or a threat. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate avoiding responsibilities or problems.

Common Collocations

  • (táopǎo): to run away, flee
  • 逃避 (táobì): to evade, avoid (responsibility, problems)
  • (táoshēng): to escape to safety, especially in emergencies

Notes

When using , the context often involves urgency or danger. It is more active and physical than similar verbs like (zǒu, to leave) or 离开 (líkāi, to leave). Avoid confusing with 逃避, which specifically emphasizes avoidance rather than physical fleeing.

In conversation, can express both literal escape and figurative avoidance, so pay attention to the collocation to understand the intended meaning.

Example Sentences

小偷看到警察,立刻逃跑了。

Xiǎotōu kàn dào jǐngchá, lìkè táopǎo le.

The thief saw the police and immediately ran away.

他试图逃避责任,但最终还是被发现了。

Tā shìtú táobì zérèn, dàn zuìzhōng háishì bèi fāxiàn le.

He tried to avoid responsibility, but was eventually found out.

在紧急情况下,大家都想逃生。

Zài jǐnjí qíngkuàng xià, dàjiā dōu xiǎng táoshēng.

In an emergency, everyone wants to escape to safety.