Meaning
避难 means to escape from danger or disaster by seeking shelter or refuge elsewhere. It combines 避 (to avoid) and 难 (difficulty/disaster), literally meaning 'to avoid calamity.' The term is commonly used in contexts involving war, natural disasters, political persecution, or any situation where people must flee to safety.
Usage
This is a formal term frequently used in news reports, historical accounts, and official contexts. It's commonly associated with refugees (难民), asylum seekers, and displacement due to conflict or disaster. The phrase 避难所 (shelter/refuge) is very common. Native speakers use this word when describing serious situations requiring escape to safety.
Examples
- 01战争爆发后，成千上万的人逃到邻国避难。, .After the war broke out, tens of thousands of people fled to neighboring countries to seek refuge.
- 02地震发生时，居民们躲进了临时避难所。, .When the earthquake occurred, residents took shelter in temporary refuges.
Characters
Common collocations
- 避难所shelter, refuge
- 寻求避难to seek asylum
- 政治避难political asylum
- 避难权right of asylum
Origin
The word combines two classical Chinese characters that have been used together for centuries. 难 in this context uses the fourth tone (nàn) meaning 'calamity' rather than the second tone (nán) meaning 'difficult.'