奔波 in 30 Seconds
- 奔波 (bēnbō): verb, to rush about, to toil, to be very busy with travel and effort.
- Implies strenuous movement and hard work, often for a goal.
- Used for demanding jobs, busy lives, and dedicated pursuits.
- Not for casual activities or simple busyness.
The Chinese word 奔波 (bēnbō) is a verb that describes a state of constant movement, travel, and often strenuous effort. It conveys a sense of being busy, on the go, and actively engaged in tasks that require a lot of running around. Think of it as the physical manifestation of being extremely busy and having to go from place to place to get things done. It's not just about being active; it implies a certain level of exertion and sometimes a feeling of being overwhelmed by the demands of one's work or responsibilities. People use 奔波 when they want to emphasize the demanding nature of someone's daily routine, especially when it involves significant travel or a lot of effort. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts, highlighting the hustle and bustle of life. For instance, a salesperson who travels extensively to meet clients might be described as 奔波 between cities. Similarly, someone managing multiple projects or dealing with complex family matters might also be said to be 奔波. The word carries a connotation of hard work and dedication, often suggesting that the person is striving towards a goal despite the difficulties and fatigue associated with their constant motion. It's a vivid way to paint a picture of someone who is always on the move, diligently pursuing their objectives. The effort involved in 奔波 can be both physical and mental, as it often requires navigating logistical challenges and dealing with the stresses of constant activity. It's a common word used to describe the lives of many people in fast-paced modern society, where being busy and active is often a necessity.
Consider the image of a delivery driver navigating through heavy traffic, making numerous stops throughout the day. This person is a prime example of someone who is 奔波. Or think of a parent juggling work, childcare, and household chores, constantly moving from one task to another. Their life could be described as a continuous 奔波. The word encapsulates the effort and dedication required to manage a demanding lifestyle. It’s important to note that while 奔波 implies effort, it doesn't necessarily carry a negative connotation. It can also be used to describe someone who is actively pursuing their dreams or working hard for a cause they believe in. The essence is the continuous, often tiring, movement and effort involved in achieving something. It's a term that resonates with the experiences of many individuals who are striving to succeed in a competitive world. The feeling of being constantly on the move, dealing with various demands, and expending significant energy is central to the meaning of 奔波. It’s a word that speaks to the reality of a busy and often challenging life.
Mastering 奔波 involves understanding its placement in sentences and the types of subjects and objects it typically pairs with. As a verb, 奔波 usually follows the subject and can be modified by adverbs or phrases that describe the manner or purpose of the action. Common subjects include individuals engaged in demanding professions, such as salespeople, reporters, entrepreneurs, or even parents managing busy households. The 'object' of the 奔波 is often implied or stated as a goal, such as '为了工作' (for work), '为了生活' (for a living), or '为了梦想' (for a dream). You can also specify the locations or the nature of the travel involved, like '奔波于各地' (rushing about in various places) or '奔波于城市之间' (rushing about between cities). The intensity of the effort can be further emphasized by adding words like '辛苦' (hardship/effort) before 奔波, resulting in '辛苦奔波'.
Let's look at some structural patterns. A fundamental structure is Subject + 奔波. For example, '他每天都在奔波。' (He rushes about every day.) To add more detail, you can include the reason: Subject + 为了 + [Goal] + 奔波. For instance, '她为了养家糊口而奔波。' (She rushes about to make a living.) You can also specify the area of activity: Subject + 奔波 + 于 + [Location/Scope]. Example: '这位科学家奔波于世界各地进行研究。' (This scientist rushes about all over the world to conduct research.) When describing the effort, you can use adverbs: Subject + [Adverb] + 奔波. For example, '他们为了项目成功而 辛勤奔波。' (They worked hard and rushed about for the success of the project.)
The word 奔波 is particularly effective in conveying a sense of dedication and the challenges faced in achieving one's goals. It's not a word for casual outings but for situations where significant effort and movement are involved. For instance, describing a student studying abroad as 奔波 might be slightly inaccurate unless they are actively traveling for research or internships. However, a young professional starting their career in a new city, constantly looking for opportunities and navigating unfamiliar environments, would be a perfect fit for the description of 奔波. The key is the combination of movement and effort. It's about the journey and the exertion that comes with it.
You'll frequently encounter 奔波 in discussions about people's lives, especially when their daily routines are characterized by significant movement and effort. In media, particularly news reports and documentaries, it's used to describe individuals working in demanding fields. For example, a news segment about aid workers traveling to disaster zones might use 奔波 to illustrate their challenging journeys. Similarly, stories about entrepreneurs or small business owners often feature this word to highlight the hustle required to get their ventures off the ground. You might hear a journalist say, '这位年轻的创业者为了让他的公司生存下去， 奔波 于全国各地寻找合作伙伴。' (This young entrepreneur rushed about nationwide to find partners to keep his company alive.)
In everyday conversations, 奔波 is often used when people are describing their own busy lives or those of their friends and family. For instance, someone might lament, '我最近一直在 奔波，忙得连休息的时间都没有。' (I've been rushing about recently, so busy I don't even have time to rest.) This conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by their activities. Parents often use it when talking about the efforts they make for their children, such as '父母为了孩子的教育， 奔波 忙碌，付出了很多心血。' (Parents rushed about and worked hard for their children's education, putting in a lot of effort.)
Beyond personal narratives, 奔波 appears in literature and film to depict characters who are on a journey, facing obstacles, and working hard towards a goal. It adds a layer of realism and highlights the dedication of these characters. For example, a historical drama might describe a messenger 奔波 across dangerous territories to deliver crucial information. In essence, anywhere you find stories about hard work, dedication, travel, and the challenges of pursuing goals, you are likely to hear or read the word 奔波. It's a word that captures the spirit of relentless effort and movement in the face of life's demands.
One common mistake learners make with 奔波 is using it for casual or light activities. Since 奔波 implies a significant amount of effort and movement, it's not appropriate for describing a simple walk in the park or a short, relaxed trip. For example, saying '我今天去公园 奔波 了' (I rushed about in the park today) would sound odd and misrepresent the activity. A better word for a casual outing would be '散步' (sànbù - to stroll) or '逛' (guàng - to wander/stroll).
Another mistake is confusing its intensity with simple busyness. While 奔波 signifies being busy, it specifically highlights the physical aspect of rushing around and the effort involved. Simply being busy with tasks that don't require much movement, like working at a desk all day, isn't typically described as 奔波. For instance, if someone spends the entire day in meetings without leaving their office building, calling their day a '奔波' would be inaccurate. Words like '忙碌' (mánglù - busy) or '忙于' (mángyú - busy with) are more suitable for general busyness.
Furthermore, learners sometimes misuse 奔波 when the focus should be on a specific destination or a more passive journey. 奔波 emphasizes the *process* of moving and the effort involved, rather than just arriving at a place. For example, saying '我 奔波 到北京了' (I rushed about to Beijing) is less natural than saying '我 去 了北京' (I went to Beijing) or '我 费了很大劲才到 北京' (It took a lot of effort to get to Beijing). The key is that 奔波 is about the active, strenuous journey itself.
Several words in Chinese can convey aspects of movement and busyness, but 奔波 has a distinct nuance. Let's compare it with some alternatives:
- 忙碌 (mánglù)
- This is a general term for 'busy'. It doesn't necessarily imply movement or travel. Someone can be '忙碌' at their desk without moving much. 奔波 is a specific type of '忙碌' that involves a lot of physical movement and effort.
- 操劳 (cāoláo)
- This word means 'toil' or 'work hard', often with a sense of physical exertion and fatigue. It can overlap with 奔波 because 奔波 often involves '操劳'. However, '操劳' can also refer to hard work that doesn't involve much travel, like a farmer working in their fields all day.
- 劳碌 (láolù)
- Similar to '操劳', this means 'to work hard and be busy', often implying a life of continuous effort and little rest. It strongly overlaps with the sentiment of 奔波, as those who 奔波 are often leading a '劳碌' life. However, '劳碌' focuses more on the general hardship of life through work, while 奔波 specifically emphasizes the movement aspect.
- 奔走 (bēnzǒu)
- This verb means 'to run around' or 'to go from place to place', often for a specific purpose like delivering a message, seeking help, or campaigning. It's very close to 奔波 but can sometimes be less about general toil and more about urgent or purposeful movement. For example, '他 奔走 相告' (He rushed about telling everyone) is a common usage.
- 出差 (chūchāi)
- This specifically means 'to go on a business trip'. While someone who frequently '出差' might be described as 奔波, '出差' itself is a neutral term for travel for work and doesn't carry the same implication of strenuous effort or constant movement as 奔波.
- 旅行 (lǚxíng)
- This means 'to travel' or 'to journey', usually for leisure or exploration. It's the opposite of the diligent, effortful movement implied by 奔波.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character '奔' itself has an ancient pictographic origin, depicting a person running with a strong stride. The character '波' often appears in words related to water and movement, reinforcing the idea of continuous flow and change. Together, they create a powerful image of relentless activity.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'p' with a strong puff of air (aspiration), like in 'pen'. It should be softer, like 'spin'.
- Shortening the 'o' sound in the second syllable; it should be a long 'o' sound.
- Not emphasizing the second syllable enough, leading to an unclear rhythm.
Difficulty Rating
The concept requires understanding effortful movement and travel, which can be nuanced. Recognizing the contexts where it's used is key.
Applying it correctly requires understanding its specific meaning and avoiding overuse in situations of general busyness or casual travel.
Pronunciation and correct contextual usage are important for natural-sounding speech.
Understanding the subtle differences between '奔波' and similar words like '忙碌' or '出差' is crucial for comprehension.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
The use of '了' (le) to indicate completion or a change of state after '奔波'.
他奔波了多年，终于成功了。(He rushed about for many years and finally succeeded.)
Using '于' (yú) to specify the location or scope of the '奔波'.
这位科学家奔波于世界各地进行研究。(This scientist rushes about all over the world to conduct research.)
Forming adverbial phrases with '为了' (wèile) to express the purpose of '奔波'.
她为了家人的幸福而奔波。(She rushes about for her family's happiness.)
Using adjectives before '奔波' to describe the manner of the action.
他辛勤奔波，从未抱怨。(He toiled and rushed about diligently, never complaining.)
Using '之间' (zhījiān) with '奔波于' to indicate movement between multiple locations or activities.
她奔波于工作和家庭之间，非常辛苦。(She rushes about between work and family, which is very hard.)
Examples by Level
他很忙。
He is very busy.
我需要去。
I need to go.
他跑来跑去。
He runs around.
工作很多。
There is a lot of work.
他很累。
He is very tired.
我需要去别的地方。
I need to go to another place.
他很努力。
He works very hard.
生活不容易。
Life is not easy.
他为了工作每天都在奔波。
He rushes about every day for work.
Subject + 为了 + [Purpose] + Adverb + Verb.
这位记者为了新闻线索而奔波。
This reporter rushes about for news leads.
Subject + 为了 + [Purpose] + Verb.
她每天奔波于家和公司之间。
She rushes about between home and the company every day.
Subject + Adverb + Verb + 于 + [Location 1] + 和 + [Location 2] + 之间.
父母为了孩子奔波操劳。
Parents rush about and toil for their children.
Subject + 为了 + [Object] + Verb + Verb.
他为了生计而奔波。
He rushes about for a living.
Subject + 为了 + [Purpose] + Verb.
这位创业者经常奔波于各地。
This entrepreneur often rushes about in various places.
Subject + Adverb + Verb + 于 + [Location].
为了找到工作，他奔波了很多地方。
To find a job, he rushed about in many places.
为了 + [Purpose] + Subject + Verb + [Location].
我感到奔波劳累。
I feel tired from rushing about.
Subject + Verb + Adjective.
这位医生为了给偏远地区的病人看病， 奔波 于山村之间。
This doctor rushes about between mountain villages to treat patients in remote areas.
Subject + 为了 + [Purpose] + Verb + 于 + [Location 1] + 和 + [Location 2] + 之间.
创业初期，他 奔波 于各大城市寻找投资。
In the early stages of entrepreneurship, he rushed about between major cities seeking investment.
Time Phrase + Subject + Verb + 于 + [Location] + Verb + [Object].
为了完成项目，整个团队 奔波 了数月。
To complete the project, the entire team rushed about for several months.
为了 + [Purpose] + Subject + Verb + Duration.
她是一位勤奋的销售员，每天 奔波 于不同的客户。
She is a diligent salesperson, rushing about to different clients every day.
Subject + Adjective + Noun + Adverb + Verb + 于 + [Object].
他不辞辛劳， 奔波 在抗疫第一线。
He tirelessly rushed about on the front lines of the epidemic.
Subject + Idiom + Verb + 于 + [Location].
为了给家人更好的生活，他 奔波 在外地多年。
To provide a better life for his family, he has been rushing about in other places for many years.
为了 + [Purpose] + Subject + Verb + Location + Duration.
这位记者 奔波 于各个新闻现场，捕捉重要信息。
This reporter rushes about between various news scenes, capturing important information.
Subject + Verb + 于 + [Location] + Verb + [Object].
这种 奔波 的生活让他感到疲惫。
This rushing-about lifestyle makes him feel tired.
This + Noun + Verb + Subject + Verb + Object.
为了实现自己的艺术梦想，这位年轻的艺术家 奔波 于欧洲各大艺术中心，寻求灵感和机会。
To realize his artistic dreams, this young artist rushed about between major European art centers, seeking inspiration and opportunities.
Complex sentence structure with multiple clauses indicating purpose and location.
在物流行业 奔波 的卡车司机，他们的生活充满了艰辛和长途跋涉。
Truck drivers rushing about in the logistics industry, their lives are full of hardship and long journeys.
Noun phrase with participle clause describing the subject's activity.
这部纪录片记录了一个社会活动家 奔波 于不同社区，为弱势群体争取权益的感人故事。
This documentary records the touching story of a social activist rushing about between different communities, fighting for the rights of vulnerable groups.
Subject + Verb + 于 + [Location] + Verb + [Object] + 的 + Adjective + Noun.
尽管 奔波 劳累，他从未抱怨，只是默默地为家庭承担着一切。
Despite the fatigue from rushing about, he never complained, merely silently shouldering everything for his family.
Concessive clause (尽管... ) followed by the main clause.
为了在竞争激烈的市场中立足，这家初创公司 奔波 于全国各地进行市场推广。
To establish itself in the fiercely competitive market, this startup company rushed about nationwide for marketing promotion.
Purpose clause + Subject + Verb + Location + Purpose phrase.
许多父母为了孩子的教育，不得不 奔波 于各个培训机构之间。
Many parents, for their children's education, have to rush about between various training institutions.
Subject + 为了 + [Purpose] + Modal Verb + Verb + 于 + [Location 1] + 和 + [Location 2] + 之间.
这种 奔波 的生活方式，虽然充满挑战，但也磨练了他的意志。
This rushing-about lifestyle, although full of challenges, has also tempered his will.
Noun phrase with descriptive clause + Concessive clause + Main clause.
他 奔波 了半辈子，终于在这个城市安顿了下来。
He rushed about for half his life and finally settled down in this city.
Subject + Verb + Duration + Adverb + Verb + Location.
在信息爆炸的时代，记者们 奔波 于全球各地，力求第一时间传递真实可靠的新闻。
In the era of information explosion, journalists rush about globally, striving to deliver true and reliable news at the earliest possible moment.
Complex sentence with adverbial phrases of time and purpose.
为了推动环境保护事业，这位环保人士 奔波 于国际会议和社区活动之间，不遗余力地宣传环保理念。
To promote environmental protection, this environmental activist rushes about between international conferences and community events, sparing no effort to publicize environmental concepts.
Extended purpose clause and participial phrase describing continuous effort.
长年累月地 奔波 于各大医院，她深刻体会到了生命的脆弱与坚韧。
Rushing about between major hospitals for years on end, she deeply understood the fragility and resilience of life.
Adverbial phrase indicating duration and frequency followed by the main clause.
他的 奔波 并非为了个人名利，而是源于对社会责任的担当。
His rushing about is not for personal fame or profit, but stems from his commitment to social responsibility.
Subject + Verb + negation + purpose + conjunction + source of motivation.
在城市化进程中，许多农民工 奔波 于不同的工地，为城市的建设贡献着自己的力量。
In the process of urbanization, many migrant workers rush about between different construction sites, contributing their strength to the city's development.
Contextual phrase + Subject + Verb + Location + Verb phrase indicating contribution.
这位探险家 奔波 于人迹罕至的丛林和雪山，只为记录濒危的野生动物。
This explorer rushes about in inaccessible jungles and snow-capped mountains, solely to document endangered wild animals.
Subject + Verb + Location + Purpose clause.
经历过 奔波 的岁月，他更加懂得珍惜眼前的安宁。
Having experienced years of rushing about, he cherishes the present peace even more.
Past participle phrase + Subject + Verb + Object.
他的 奔波 最终换来了事业的成功和家庭的幸福。
His rushing about eventually led to career success and family happiness.
Subject + Verb + Conjunction + Outcome.
在信息洪流中，新闻记者 奔波 于全球热点地区，以其敏锐的洞察力和不懈的努力，为公众揭示真相。
In the torrent of information, news reporters rush about in global hotspots, using their keen insight and unremitting efforts to reveal the truth to the public.
Complex sentence with sophisticated vocabulary and structure, emphasizing purpose and method.
这位慈善家 奔波 于国际舞台，致力于解决全球性的贫困与饥饿问题，其足迹遍布五大洲。
This philanthropist rushes about on the international stage, dedicated to solving global poverty and hunger issues, with their footprints spanning all five continents.
Extended predicate with multiple prepositional phrases and idiomatic expression.
他 奔波 了大半辈子，尝尽了世间的辛酸，却从未放弃对理想的追寻。
He rushed about for more than half his life, tasting all the bitterness of the world, yet never gave up the pursuit of his ideals.
Complex sentence with idiomatic expressions and a strong contrast.
在纷繁复杂的商业竞争中，成功的企业家往往需要 奔波 于商机与风险之间，审时度势，果敢决策。
In the complex and varied business competition, successful entrepreneurs often need to rush about between business opportunities and risks, assessing the situation and making decisive choices.
Complex sentence with abstract nouns and parallel verb phrases.
这部史诗般的电影讲述了一位战士 奔波 于战场内外，为和平与自由浴血奋战的传奇故事。
This epic film tells the legendary story of a warrior rushing about on and off the battlefield, fighting valiantly for peace and freedom.
Descriptive noun phrase followed by a clause detailing the subject's actions and purpose.
经历了 奔波 漂泊的岁月，他对于家的概念有了更深刻的理解。
Having experienced years of rushing about and wandering, he gained a deeper understanding of the concept of home.
Past participle phrase with parallel descriptive elements, followed by the main clause.
他们的 奔波 并非为了个人荣辱，而是为了一个更加公平和美好的社会。
Their rushing about is not for personal honor or disgrace, but for a more just and beautiful society.
Subject + Verb + negation + purpose + conjunction + ultimate goal.
即便 奔波 劳碌，他眼中依然闪烁着对生活的热爱与希望。
Even though rushing about and toiling, his eyes still sparkled with love and hope for life.
Concessive clause + Subject + Adverbial phrase describing internal state.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Tired from rushing about and working hard. It describes the physical and mental exhaustion resulting from constant movement and effort.
经过一整天的奔波劳累，他只想赶紧回家休息。
— To rush about and work hard for a living. This phrase emphasizes the necessity of the effort for basic survival and livelihood.
很多父母为了生计奔波，牺牲了自己的休息时间。
— To move back and forth between two or more places or activities. It highlights the continuous movement and the juggling of responsibilities.
她每天奔波于工作和家庭之间，非常辛苦。
— To travel and work hard to pursue education. This phrase is used for students who face significant challenges and movement to get an education.
他从小家境贫寒，不得不奔波求学，最终成为一名学者。
— To have rushed about and toiled for many years. This phrase indicates a long period of sustained effort and movement.
这位创业者奔波多年，终于让他的公司走向了正轨。
— To be away from home, rushing about and working. This implies being on the move for an extended period, often for work.
他奔波在外多年，很少有机会回家。
— A journey that involves a lot of rushing about and effort. It describes a travel experience that is tiring and demanding.
这是一段充满挑战的奔波的旅程。
— Not minding the rushing about or the effort involved. It implies a willingness to endure the hardship of movement.
为了帮助灾区人民，志愿者们不辞奔波。
— To travel and rush about in various places. This phrase emphasizes the wide scope of movement.
这位摄影师奔波于各地，捕捉美丽的风景。
— The meaning or purpose behind the act of rushing about and toiling. It prompts reflection on why such effort is undertaken.
他开始思考自己奔波的意义是什么。
Often Confused With
'忙碌' is a general term for being busy. '奔波' specifically implies movement and effort, not just being occupied.
'出差' refers to a business trip, a specific type of travel. '奔波' is a broader term for strenuous movement and effort, which may or may not involve formal business trips.
'旅行' means to travel, usually for leisure. '奔波' implies effortful and often necessary movement, not for pleasure.
Idioms & Expressions
— Covered in dust from traveling; travel-worn. This idiom vividly describes someone who has been on a long and arduous journey, implying they have been '奔波' extensively.
他风尘仆仆地赶来，显然是经过了一番奔波。
Neutral— The horse doesn't stop its hooves; non-stop. This idiom describes continuing without rest, often implying continuous effort and movement, very similar to the spirit of '奔波'.
项目时间紧迫，我们必须马不停蹄地奔波才能按时完成。
Neutral— To run around everywhere; to go from place to place. This is a very close synonym to '奔波', often used to describe seeking help or support.
为了筹集善款，他四处奔走。
Neutral— To work from dawn till dusk; to work under the stars and moon. This idiom describes working very hard, often involving long hours and movement, capturing the essence of the effort in '奔波'.
为了完成这项艰巨的任务，他披星戴月地奔波。
Neutral— To travel over mountains and rivers; to go through hardships in travel. This idiom emphasizes the difficult and arduous nature of travel, which is often a component of '奔波'.
探险队员们跋山涉水，为的是找到传说中的古迹。
Neutral— To bear hardship without complaint. This describes an attitude often associated with those who '奔波' diligently.
他任劳任怨地奔波，从不抱怨工作的辛苦。
Neutral— To rush about in all directions. Similar to '奔波', it describes active and often frantic movement from place to place.
为了找工作，他东奔西走，面试了很多公司。
Neutral— To rack one's brains; to pour out one's heart and blood. This idiom describes putting in immense effort and dedication, which often accompanies the physical '奔波'.
他呕心沥血地奔波，终于创办了自己的企业。
Neutral— Regardless of wind or rain; rain or shine. This describes persistence despite adverse conditions, often relevant to those who '奔波' in their duties.
无论刮风下雨，他都风雨无阻地奔波于工作岗位。
Neutral— Rushing about non-stop. This combines the idiom '马不停蹄' with '奔波' to strongly emphasize continuous and tireless movement.
为了抓住稍纵即逝的市场机会，他们马不停蹄地奔波。
NeutralEasily Confused
Both involve rushing about from place to place.
While '奔波' emphasizes the toil and effort involved in the movement, '奔走' often implies a more specific purpose like seeking help, delivering urgent news, or campaigning. '奔波' can describe a general state of strenuous activity, whereas '奔走' is more focused on the action of going from one person or place to another for a particular reason.
他为了筹集善款而四处奔走。(He rushed about everywhere to raise funds.) vs. 他为了工作奔波劳累。(He toiled and rushed about for work.)
Both involve hard work and effort.
'操劳' focuses on the hard work and physical exertion itself, often implying fatigue and hardship, but it doesn't necessarily involve significant travel. '奔波' specifically includes the element of moving from place to place as a core part of the effort. One can '操劳' at a farm without '奔波', but someone who '奔波' between cities for work is likely also '操劳'.
农民终年操劳。(Farmers toil all year round.) vs. 他为了工作奔波于各地。(He rushes about in various places for work.)
Both describe a life of hard work and busyness.
'劳碌' describes a life characterized by continuous hard work and little rest, often implying a sense of hardship or a difficult life trajectory. '奔波' describes the *action* of moving about strenuously, which is often a component of a '劳碌' life. '奔波' is more about the physical act of rushing, while '劳碌' is about the overall state of a life filled with toil.
他一生劳碌，为家庭付出了很多。(He lived a life of toil, sacrificing much for his family.) vs. 他为了养家而奔波。(He rushes about to support his family.)
Both indicate being busy.
'忙碌' is a general term for being busy, whether it involves physical movement or not. You can be '忙碌' at a desk job. '奔波' specifically implies active, often tiring, movement from place to place. It's a more dynamic and effortful form of busyness.
我今天很忙碌。(I am very busy today.) vs. 我今天为了开会奔波于各个公司。(I rushed about to various companies today for meetings.)
Both involve travel.
'出差' specifically refers to going on a business trip. It's a neutral term for travel for work. '奔波' implies a more strenuous, continuous, and often demanding form of movement and effort, which might include multiple '出差' trips or other forms of travel and activity that are not necessarily formal business trips.
他经常出差。(He often goes on business trips.) vs. 他为了拓展业务，长期奔波在外。(He has been rushing about away from home for a long time to expand his business.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 奔波
他每天都在奔波。
Subject + 为了 + [Purpose] + 奔波
她为了工作而奔波。
Subject + 奔波 + 于 + [Location]
他奔波于全国各地。
Subject + [Adverb] + 奔波
他辛勤奔波。
Subject + 奔波 + 了 + [Duration]
他奔波了多年。
Subject + 奔波 + 于 + [Location 1] + 和 + [Location 2] + 之间
她奔波于工作和家庭之间。
为了 + [Purpose] + , + Subject + 奔波 + 于 + [Location]
为了实现梦想，他奔波于欧洲各大城市。
Subject + 奔波 + 于 + [Location] + , + Verb Phrase
这位记者奔波于各地，捕捉重要信息。
Word Family
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common
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Using '奔波' for casual movement or simple busyness.
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Use words like '散步' (sànbù - to stroll) for casual walks, or '忙碌' (mánglù - busy) for general occupation without significant travel.
'奔波' implies strenuous effort and movement from place to place, often with a sense of hardship or necessity. Applying it to light activities misrepresents the word's meaning.
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Confusing '奔波' with '出差' (chūchāi - business trip).
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'出差' is specific to business travel. '奔波' is broader and covers any strenuous movement, which might include multiple '出差' trips or other activities.
While frequent '出差' might lead to '奔波', the words are not interchangeable. '奔波' emphasizes the cumulative effort and fatigue of movement, not just the act of traveling for business.
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Not emphasizing the effort or hardship aspect.
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When using '奔波', try to convey the sense of exertion, tiredness, or the demanding nature of the movement.
Simply saying someone is '奔波' without implying the associated effort can make the sentence sound incomplete or inaccurate. Words like '辛苦' (xīnkǔ - hard work) or '劳累' (láolèi - tired) often accompany '奔波'.
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Using '奔波' to describe arriving at a destination.
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Focus on the journey and the act of moving. Use verbs like '到达' (dàodá - to arrive) or '去' (qù - to go) to indicate arrival.
'奔波' describes the process of moving and the effort involved, not the final destination itself. Saying '我奔波到北京了' is less natural than '我去了北京' or '我费了很大劲才到北京'.
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Overusing '奔波' for general travel.
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Use '旅行' (lǚxíng - to travel) for leisure trips and '出差' for business trips. Reserve '奔波' for situations involving significant effort, hardship, or continuous movement for a purpose.
'奔波' carries a connotation of toil that is absent in casual travel terms. Using it inappropriately can make the description sound overly dramatic or inaccurate.
Tips
Focus on Effortful Movement
Remember that '奔波' is not just about being busy; it's about the *effortful movement* and travel involved. Think of it as the verb for 'hustling' or 'toiling on the go'.
Common Scenarios
You'll often hear '奔波' used for professions like sales, journalism, or any job requiring frequent travel and interaction. It's also common when discussing parents' hard work for their children or individuals striving for ambitious goals.
Stress the Second Syllable
The correct pronunciation is bēn-BŌ, with the stress on the second syllable. Practice saying it to ensure clarity and naturalness.
Distinguish from '忙碌'
'忙碌' means generally busy. '奔波' adds the crucial element of strenuous movement and travel. If someone is busy at a desk, they are '忙碌', not '奔波'.
Visual Association
Picture someone running through waves (奔 + 波) of tasks and obstacles. This visual can help you remember the meaning of strenuous, continuous movement.
Use with Location Prepositions
'奔波' is frequently used with prepositions like '于' (yú) and phrases like '之间' (zhījiān) to specify the locations or activities involved, e.g., '奔波于各地' (rushing about in various places) or '奔波于工作和家庭之间' (rushing about between work and family).
Connotation of Hardship
While not always negative, '奔波' often implies a degree of hardship, fatigue, or challenge associated with the constant movement and effort.
Consider '奔走'
'奔走' is a close synonym, often used for more specific purposes like seeking help or delivering messages, while '奔波' is broader and emphasizes the general toil of movement.
Describe Your Own Hustle
Think about times you've had to '奔波' in your own life – moving for school, working multiple jobs, or pursuing a demanding project. Using the word to describe your experiences will solidify its meaning.
Valued Effort
In Chinese culture, the dedication and effort implied by '奔波' are often admired, representing perseverance and commitment to one's goals or responsibilities.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone 'running' (奔) through 'waves' (波) of tasks and challenges. They are constantly moving, like waves, to get things done. Think of a surfer constantly moving and adjusting on a wave - that's the effortful movement of '奔波'.
Visual Association
Picture a delivery person on a bicycle, constantly pedaling through a bustling city, with many packages stacked around them. They are 'running' (奔) through the 'waves' (波) of traffic and streets, looking tired but determined.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your own busy days or the busy days of people you know using '奔波'. For example, 'My father often has to 奔波 between work and taking care of my grandmother.' This will help solidify the meaning in practical use.
Word Origin
The word '奔波' is a compound word formed from two characters: '奔' (bēn) and '波' (bō). Both characters relate to movement and effort.
Original meaning: '奔' (bēn) means to run, to rush, or to hasten. It implies fast movement and speed. '波' (bō) literally means 'wave', but in this context, it metaphorically refers to the ups and downs, the continuous flow, or the arduous journey one undertakes. Thus, '奔波' literally suggests 'running like waves' or 'moving like waves', conveying a sense of continuous, sometimes turbulent, movement and effort.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
The term '奔波' generally carries a positive or neutral connotation, highlighting effort and dedication. However, in contexts where the effort is excessive and leads to severe hardship without apparent reward, it could be used to evoke sympathy or highlight difficult living conditions.
In English-speaking cultures, while concepts like 'hustle', 'grind', or 'being on the go' exist, '奔波' carries a specific cultural weight of dedicated, often arduous, movement that is highly regarded as a sign of perseverance and commitment.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing people with demanding jobs involving travel.
- 销售人员需要奔波于各个客户之间。
- 记者奔波在新闻现场。
- 创业者需要奔波寻找投资。
Talking about personal sacrifices for family or goals.
- 父母为了孩子奔波劳累。
- 他为了梦想奔波多年。
- 为了生计奔波在外。
Discussing challenging life circumstances or journeys.
- 经过长途奔波，他终于到达了目的地。
- 他奔波了一生，尝尽了世间辛酸。
- 这种奔波的生活让他感到疲惫。
Narrating stories of dedication and perseverance.
- 他不辞辛劳地奔波。
- 他一生奔波，为社会做出了贡献。
- 经历了奔波的岁月，他更加珍惜现在。
Describing the hustle and bustle of modern life.
- 城市里的人们每天都在奔波。
- 为了在竞争激烈的市场中立足，公司需要奔波。
- 这种奔波的生活方式充满了挑战。
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever had a period in your life where you felt like you were constantly '奔波' (bēnbō)? What was it for?"
"What kind of professions do you think involve the most '奔波' (bēnbō)?"
"How do you think the concept of '奔波' (bēnbō) relates to success in today's world?"
"Can you think of a time when you saw someone '奔波' (bēnbō) for a noble cause? What was it?"
"What are some ways people cope with the fatigue that comes from '奔波' (bēnbō)?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time in your life when you had to '奔波' (bēnbō) intensely. What were the challenges, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on the meaning of '奔波' (bēnbō) in your own culture or society. How is this kind of effort viewed?
Imagine you are a character who has spent years '奔波' (bēnbō). What are your reflections on your journey, and what do you hope for in the future?
Compare and contrast the feeling of '奔波' (bēnbō) with simply being 'busy'. What makes '奔波' unique?
Write a short story about someone who is '奔波' (bēnbō) for a dream. What obstacles do they face, and how do they persevere?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. While '奔波' implies effort and can lead to fatigue, it often carries positive connotations of dedication, hard work, and striving towards a goal. It can be used to describe someone who is actively pursuing their dreams or fulfilling important responsibilities, which is often viewed positively in Chinese culture.
'忙碌' (mánglù) is a general term for being busy, regardless of whether it involves movement. You can be '忙碌' at your desk. '奔波' (bēnbō) specifically implies moving from place to place with significant effort and often fatigue. It's a more active and strenuous form of being busy.
Generally, no. '奔波' implies necessary or effortful movement, often for work, duty, or a serious goal. A vacation is usually for leisure and relaxation, so words like '旅行' (lǚxíng - to travel) or '度假' (dùjià - to vacation) would be more appropriate. If a vacation involved extremely strenuous and difficult travel, one might use '奔波' to describe the journey, but it's less common.
'奔波' is commonly used to describe salespeople traveling to meet clients, entrepreneurs seeking funding, journalists covering events, doctors working in remote areas, parents managing multiple responsibilities, or anyone engaged in demanding work that requires a lot of movement and effort.
The pronunciation is bēn-BŌ. The stress is on the second syllable. 'Bēn' sounds like 'bun' without the strong puff of air, and 'bō' has a long 'o' sound like in 'door'.
'奔波' emphasizes the toil and effort in moving from place to place, often over a sustained period. '奔走' also means to rush about, but it often implies a more specific purpose, like delivering a message, seeking help, or campaigning. '奔波' is broader and more about the strenuous journey itself.
While technically possible, it's less common and might sound a bit formal or serious for a child's typical actions. For a child running around energetically, words like '跑来跑去' (pǎo lái pǎo qù - run here and there) or '玩耍' (wánshuǎ - to play) are more natural. However, if a child were undertaking a difficult task requiring movement, like delivering items for a school project, '奔波' could be used.
'奔波劳累' (bēnbō láolèi) is a phrase that literally means 'tired from rushing about and toiling'. It describes the state of exhaustion and fatigue that results from a period of strenuous activity and movement.
There isn't a single perfect English equivalent. Phrases like 'to rush about', 'to toil', 'to be on the go', 'to hustle', or 'to grind' capture different aspects of '奔波'. 'To rush about' and 'to toil' are perhaps the closest in conveying both movement and effort.
Try to create sentences describing people you know who have demanding jobs or challenging life situations that involve a lot of travel and effort. Also, practice distinguishing it from words like '忙碌' and '出差' in different contexts.
Test Yourself 10 questions
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Summary
奔波 (bēnbō) describes the action of moving from place to place with significant effort and often fatigue, typically for work or to achieve a goal. It emphasizes the strenuous journey and the hustle involved.
- 奔波 (bēnbō): verb, to rush about, to toil, to be very busy with travel and effort.
- Implies strenuous movement and hard work, often for a goal.
- Used for demanding jobs, busy lives, and dedicated pursuits.
- Not for casual activities or simple busyness.
Focus on Effortful Movement
Remember that '奔波' is not just about being busy; it's about the *effortful movement* and travel involved. Think of it as the verb for 'hustling' or 'toiling on the go'.
Common Scenarios
You'll often hear '奔波' used for professions like sales, journalism, or any job requiring frequent travel and interaction. It's also common when discussing parents' hard work for their children or individuals striving for ambitious goals.
Stress the Second Syllable
The correct pronunciation is bēn-BŌ, with the stress on the second syllable. Practice saying it to ensure clarity and naturalness.
Distinguish from '忙碌'
'忙碌' means generally busy. '奔波' adds the crucial element of strenuous movement and travel. If someone is busy at a desk, they are '忙碌', not '奔波'.
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朝九晚五
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未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
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充沛
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门禁卡
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门禁
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配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
