出走: meaning, pinyin, and usage

Title: Understanding "出走" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 出走
• Pinyin: chūzǒu
• Literal Meaning: “to go out and leave”
• Primary Meaning: to leave home, run away, or depart without permission, often because of conflict, pressure, or dissatisfaction

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage: 出走 is commonly used when someone leaves a place, especially home, school, or an organization, in a sudden or unauthorized way. It often suggests emotional tension, rebellion, escape, or dissatisfaction. In English, it can be translated as “to run away,” “to leave home,” “to walk out,” or “to flee,” depending on the context.

出走 is more formal or written than everyday phrases like 离家出走, which specifically means “to run away from home.” It can also appear in news reports or literary writing. For example, a teenager may 出走 after arguing with parents, or an employee may 出走 from a company in a metaphorical sense, meaning they leave unexpectedly or defect to another group.

• Character Breakdown:
• 出 means “to go out,” “to come out,” or “to leave.”
• 走 means “to walk,” “to go,” or “to leave.”

Together, 出走 literally means “to go out and leave,” but the word usually implies leaving in a way that is not ordinary or calm.

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 他和父母吵架后离家出走了。
• Pinyin: Tā hé fùmǔ chǎojià hòu lí jiā chūzǒu le.

• English: He ran away from home after arguing with his parents.

• Chinese: 警方正在寻找那名出走的女孩。

• Pinyin: Jǐngfāng zhèngzài xúnzhǎo nà míng chūzǒu de nǚhái.

• English: The police are searching for the girl who ran away.

• Chinese: 这位作家年轻时曾经出走，到外地生活了几年。

• Pinyin: Zhè wèi zuòjiā niánqīng shí céngjīng chūzǒu, dào wàidì shēnghuó le jǐ nián.
• English: When this writer was young, he once left home and lived in another place for several years.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

The phrase 离家出走 is especially common in Chinese and usually refers to young people leaving home after family conflict or emotional stress. In news or public safety contexts, 出走 can sound serious because it may imply that the person is missing or in danger.

In a broader cultural or literary sense, 出走 can also describe a symbolic act of breaking away from control, tradition, or an old way of life. For example, a character in a novel may 出走 not only physically, but also emotionally or socially, seeking independence or freedom.

Conclusion

出走 means “to run away” or “to leave suddenly,” often with a sense of conflict, escape, or dissatisfaction. Remember that 出 means “out” and 走 means “to go,” so 出走 literally suggests “going out and leaving,” but in real usage it often carries a stronger emotional or dramatic meaning.