跑开

You use 跑开 when you physically move away from a location or person by running. It's often used when you need to quickly distance yourself. Think about a child running away from a parent who's calling them for a bath. That's 跑开. Or maybe you see someone you owe money to and you need to make a swift exit. You guessed it, you 跑开! It's a very direct and visual action. You're not just walking away; you're running.

• A dog sees a cat and immediately runs away from its owner: 小狗看到猫，马上跑开了。(Xiǎo gǒu kàn dào māo, mǎshàng pǎo kāi le.)
• A child is scared of a loud noise and runs away from the source: 孩子被鞭炮声吓到了，赶紧跑开。(Hái zi bèi biānpào shēng xià dào le, gǎnjǐn pǎo kāi.)
• You spot your ex at the mall and decide to make a quick escape: 我看到前任，赶紧跑开了。(Wǒ kàn dào qián rèn, gǎnjǐn pǎo kāi le.)

Use 跑开 when you want to emphasize the act of running away from a specific point. It's perfect for situations where speed and distance are key. If you're describing a chase scene in a movie, 跑开 fits perfectly. It's also great for everyday scenarios like escaping an annoying salesperson or a surprise party you weren't ready for. It conveys a sense of urgency and a clear direction: away!

Don't use 跑开 if you're just leaving casually or walking away. It specifically implies running. If you're simply moving from one room to another without urgency, 走开 (zǒu kāi - walk away) or just 离开 (lí kāi - leave) might be better. Also, avoid it for metaphorical escapes, like "running away from your problems." While understandable, it's not the typical usage. Stick to physical running for 跑开.

Learners often confuse 跑开 with simply 跑 (pǎo - run) or 走开 (zǒu kāi - walk away/go away). Using 跑 alone means just 'to run', without the 'away' aspect. Using 走开 implies walking away, which is less urgent.

✗ 我看到他，就跑。

✓ 我看到他，就跑开。

(I saw him and ran. → I saw him and ran away.)

✗ 让他走开。

✓ 让他跑开。

(Let him walk away. → Let him run away. - This is a crucial distinction in intent!)

• 逃跑 (táo pǎo): This also means to run away, but often implies escaping from capture, danger, or responsibility. It has a stronger sense of fleeing. Think of a prisoner escaping. That's 逃跑.
• 离开 (lí kāi): This is a general term for 'to leave'. It doesn't involve running. You can 离开 a room, a job, or a city.
• 跑掉 (pǎo diào): Similar to 跑开, meaning to run off or escape. It often implies something or someone got away unexpectedly.

• 跑开了 (pǎo kāi le): Adds the particle 了 (le) to indicate completion of the action. "He ran away."
• 快跑开 (kuài pǎo kāi): Adds 快 (kuài - quickly) for emphasis. "Run away quickly!"
• 赶紧跑开 (gǎnjǐn pǎo kāi): Similar to 快跑开, using 赶紧 (gǎnjǐn - hurry up) to urge speed.

• Is 跑开 always about fear? Not necessarily! It can be playful running away, like in a game. But yes, it often implies escaping something unpleasant.
• Can I use 跑开 for leaving a party? Usually not, unless you're literally running out the door to avoid someone. For just leaving, 离开 is better.
• Does 跑开 mean 'run around'? No, 跑开 is always 'run *away* from' a specific spot. 'Run around' would be 跑来跑去 (pǎo lái pǎo qù).