verb HSK 5
to seek refuge with · to flee to · to go and join
Meaning
投奔 means to go to someone (often a relative or ally) seeking shelter, protection, or support, typically when one is in difficult circumstances. It implies leaving one's current situation to join another person or group for safety or a better life.
Usage
This word is commonly used in historical or literary contexts, though it still appears in modern Chinese. It often describes someone fleeing danger or hardship to join family, friends, or allies. The tone is somewhat formal and can carry connotations of desperation or seeking asylum.
Examples
- 01战乱时期，很多难民投奔海外的亲戚。, .During the war, many refugees sought refuge with their relatives overseas.
- 02他在家乡待不下去了，只好投奔在城里工作的表哥。, .He couldn't stay in his hometown anymore, so he had no choice but to seek refuge with his cousin who works in the city.
Characters
Common collocations
- 投奔亲戚to seek refuge with relatives
- 投奔他乡to flee to another place
- 投奔革命to join the revolution
Antonyms
Origin
投 originally meant 'to throw' or 'to cast oneself toward,' while 奔 means 'to rush toward' or 'to head for.' Together they create the image of rushing or throwing oneself toward someone for refuge.