Meaning and Usage
The character 奔 (bèn) primarily means "to rush" or "to run quickly." It often describes hurried movement, either physically running or figuratively rushing between places or tasks.
Common Contexts
- Physical running: describing someone running fast to catch something or move quickly.
- Figurative rushing: moving busily between locations or responsibilities.
- Describes energetic or urgent movement.
Collocations and Patterns
- 奔向 (bèn xiàng): to rush toward a place.
- 奔波 (bēnbō): to rush about busily, often between tasks or places.
- 奔来奔去 (bēn lái bēn qù): running back and forth, often used for children or busy people.
Usage Notes
- 奔 is more urgent and energetic than simply 跑 (pǎo, to run).
- Often used in written or formal contexts but also common in spoken language.
- Do not confuse 奔波 (busy rushing) with 奔跑 (running fast); 奔波 emphasizes busyness and movement between places.
Understanding 奔 helps learners describe dynamic movement vividly, whether physical or metaphorical.