Definitions

bēn (verb) to rush; to run quickly
bèn (verb) to head towards; to go to

Etymology

Depicts a person () with more than one (foot) components to indicate faster movement. Similar in origin to .

About

The character "奔" originates from an early ideographic concept of a person running, with its composition evolving to combine the element "大", representing a figure in motion, placed above "卉", a component that historically derived from symbols denoting swift movement or multiple footsteps, thus visually emphasizing haste. Over time, this structure crystallized into the enduring form that conveys the core idea of rapid forward motion, while its semantic range extended from the basic act of running to include nuances such as fleeing from threat or dedicating oneself earnestly to a purpose, reflecting an adaptation from purely physical speed to broader metaphorical applications of directed and urgent effort.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

孩子们在草地上跑。

Háizimen zài cǎodì shàng bēnpǎo.

The children are running on the grass.

向学校。

Tā bēn xiàng xuéxiào.

He runs towards the school.

汽车在高速公路上驰。

Qìchē zài gāosù gōnglù shàng bēnchí.

The car is speeding on the highway.

他为生活波忙碌。

Tā wèi shēnghuó bēnbō mánglù.

He is busy rushing about for life.

战士们赴前线。

Zhànshìmen bēnfù qiánxiàn.

The soldiers hurry to the front line.

她的舞蹈风格放自如。

Tā de wǔdǎo fēnggé bēnfàng zìrú.

Her dance style is unrestrained and natural.

河水急速地流。

Héshuǐ jísù de bēnliú.

The river flows rapidly.

难民们四处逃以求安全。

Nànmínmen sìchù bēntáo yǐ qiú ānquán.

The refugees flee everywhere to seek safety.