verb / noun HSK 2
pǎo
to run · to jog · running

Meaning

跑步 is the standard word for running or jogging as exercise or sport. It combines the character for 'run' (跑) with 'step' (步), literally meaning 'to run steps.' This is one of the most common words for physical exercise in everyday Mandarin.

Usage

Used for both casual jogging and competitive running. When talking about the activity itself, 跑步 functions as a noun (我喜欢跑步 'I like running'). When describing the action, it works as a verb (他在跑步 'He is running'). Very common in daily conversation about exercise and fitness.

Examples

  1. 01
    我每天早上都去公园跑步
    měi tiān zǎoshang dōu gōngyuán pǎo .
    I go running in the park every morning.
  2. 02
    跑步对身体健康很有好处。
    Pǎo duì shēntǐ jiànkāng hěn yǒu hǎochù.
    Running is very good for your health.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 跑步
    pǎo
    to go running
  • 晨跑
    chén pǎo
    morning run
  • 跑步
    pǎo
    treadmill
  • 坚持跑步
    jiān chí pǎo
    to persist in running

Antonyms

Origin

Compound word combining 跑 (run) and 步 (step/walk), emphasizing the stepping motion of running.

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