‘逃跑’ is a compound verb meaning 'to run away' or 'to flee', often implying escape from danger, punishment, responsibility, or an unpleasant situation. The first character 逃 (táo) means 'to escape' or 'to evade', carrying a sense of avoidance—especially from threat or obligation. The second character 跑 (pǎo) means 'to run', adding physical motion and urgency. Together, they emphasize rapid, purposeful departure to avoid something undesirable. While both characters individually can mean 'run' or 'escape', their combination strengthens the sense of urgent flight, not just physical movement.

This word is commonly used in contexts involving animals escaping enclosures, people fleeing crime scenes or difficult responsibilities, or even metaphorical uses like 'running away from one’s problems'. It carries a slightly negative or urgent connotation—unlike neutral terms for 'leaving', it suggests evasion or desperation. In spoken Chinese, it’s frequently used in storytelling, news reports, and everyday warnings (e.g., about pets or children).