Meanings of 投奔
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Podcast: 投奔
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AI study notes for 投奔
投靠 (tóukào) — use 投奔 when emphasizing the act of seeking refuge, while 投靠 implies seeking support or assistance, often from someone already established.
Be cautious with the tone; 投 (tóu) is pronounced with a rising tone, while 奔 (bèn) has a falling tone. The term is generally used in more serious contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 投奔他国 (seek asylum in another country).
Although 投奔 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can be related to other terms about movement and seeking help, such as 帮助 (bāngzhù, help) and 逃避 (táobì, escape). Focus on the context in which this term is used to enhance understanding.
Learners may confuse 投奔 with similar terms like 寻找 (xúnzhǎo, to look for), which is less serious. For example, saying '我投奔我的朋友' (I seek asylum with my friend) is incorrect; the term is more appropriate for serious situations.
Pronunciation of 投奔
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Component characters
How to say to seek shelter in Chinese
“to seek shelter” in Chinese is投奔
投奔 (tóubèn) means to seek shelter or asylum, often in the context of fleeing from danger or seeking refuge from oppression. This term is commonly used when discussing individuals who leave their original homes or countries to find safety or support elsewhere.
When to use 投奔
Be cautious with the tone; 投 (tóu) is pronounced with a rising tone, while 奔 (bèn) has a falling tone. The term is generally used in more serious contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 投奔他国 (seek asylum in another country).
投奔 or something close to it
投靠 (tóukào) — use 投奔 when emphasizing the act of seeking refuge, while 投靠 implies seeking support or assistance, often from someone already established.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 投奔 with similar terms like 寻找 (xúnzhǎo, to look for), which is less serious. For example, saying '我投奔我的朋友' (I seek asylum with my friend) is incorrect; the term is more appropriate for serious situations.
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Cultural Notes for 投奔
In Western contexts, seeking asylum often involves legal processes and refugee status, while in China, the emphasis might be more on personal safety and familial connections.
Frequently asked questions about 投奔
It is often used to describe individuals fleeing from war, persecution, or oppressive regimes.
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