Definition

1. Verb:
   • To move quickly on foot: The most basic meaning, describing rapid movement using one's legs.
   • To operate, to function: Used for machines, vehicles, or mechanisms that are in working order or in motion.
   • To run (a machine or vehicle): To operate or control a machine or vehicle.
   • To circulate, to flow: Describing the movement of things like vehicles on routes, fluids, or even abstract things like time or a feeling.
   • To hurry to do something, to strive urgently: To act quickly and with effort, often to handle a situation, solve a problem, or seek help.
   • To extend, to run along: To stretch or follow a long, narrow path.
   • (In commerce) To sell well: Describing goods that are in high demand and sell quickly.

Usage Examples

• To move quickly on foot:

  • Anh ấy chạy rất nhanh. (He runs very fast.)
  • Đứa trẻ chạy ra sân. (The child ran out to the yard.)

• To operate, to function:

  • Chiếc đồng hồ này chạy rất chính xác. (This watch runs very accurately.)
  • Máy tính không chạy được. (The computer won't run.)

• To run (a machine or vehicle):

  • Bác tài chạy xe cẩn thận. (The driver drives the car carefully.)
  • Anh ấy biết chạy máy in. (He knows how to operate the printer.)

• To circulate, to flow:

  • Xe buýt chạy mỗi 15 phút. (The bus runs every 15 minutes.)
  • Một cảm giác lạnh chạy dọc sống lưng. (A cold feeling ran down the spine.)

• To hurry to do something, to strive urgently:

  • Cô ấy phải chạy vạy khắp nơi để tìm việc. (She had to run around everywhere to find a job.)
  • Gia đình anh ấy đang chạy tiền cho ca mổ. (His family is scrambling to get money for the surgery.)

• To extend, to run along:

  • Con đường nhỏ chạy quanh làng. (The small path runs around the village.)
  • Chạy một đường chỉ viền cho đẹp. (Run a stitch along the border to make it look nice.)

• (In commerce) To sell well:

  • Mẫu áo mới này bán rất chạy. (This new shirt design is selling very well.)
  • Hàng khuyến mãi thường chạy hơn. (Promotional items usually sell faster.)

Advanced Usage

• "chạy đua": to race, to compete (often against time or others).

  • Các công ty đang chạy đua để phát triển vaccine. (Companies are racing to develop a vaccine.)

• "chạy trốn": to flee, to run away (from danger, responsibility).

  • Tên tội phạm đang cố chạy trốn khỏi thành phố. (The criminal is trying to flee the city.)

• "chạy theo": to run after, to pursue (literally or figuratively).

  • Đừng chỉ chạy theo thành tích. (Don't just chase after achievements.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chạy (adjective - from verb usage): Describes something that is going smoothly or selling well.

  • Công việc làm ăn rất chạy. (The business is going very smoothly.)

• Chạy (as a component in compounds):

  • Chạy bộ (verb phrase): to jog.
  • Chạy nước rút (verb phrase): to sprint.
  • Chạy việc (verb phrase): to run errands; to seek employment or favors.

Synonyms

• Phi (verb): to dash, to speed (more literary or intense than "chạy").
• Lượn (verb): to glide, to move swiftly and smoothly (often for vehicles, birds).
• Hoạt động (verb): to operate, to function (for machines, more formal).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Chạy đi chạy lại: to run back and forth, to go to and fro.

  • Anh ấy chạy đi chạy lại giữa hai văn phòng. (He ran back and forth between the two offices.)

• Chạy mất: to run away, to disappear (by running).

  • Con mèo chạy mất rồi. (The cat ran away.)

• Chạy đến: to run to (a place or person).

  • Cô ấy chạy đến ôm lấy mẹ. (She ran to hug her mother.)

Related Idioms

• Chạy như bay: to run as if flying; to run extremely fast.

  • Nghe tin, anh ta chạy như bay về nhà. (Upon hearing the news, he ran like the wind home.)

• Chạy bán sống bán chết: to run for one's life; to strive desperately.

  • Họ phải chạy bán sống bán chết để thoát khỏi đám cháy. (They had to run for their lives to escape the fire.)

• Chạy thầy chạy thuốc: to run around seeking doctors and medicine; to desperately seek help or treatment.

  • Gia đình chạy thầy chạy thuốc khắp nơi cho bệnh nhân. (The family ran around seeking all kinds of doctors and medicine for the patient.)

verb

1. To run
   • cầu thủ chạy theo quả bóng
     the players ran after the ball
   • chạy nhanh như bay
     to run as fast as a rabbit
   • chị ấy thường vẫn chạy đi chạy về thăm bố mẹ
     she usually makes a run to her parents' home
   • tàu chạy trên đường sắt
     the train runs on rails
   • có cảm giác lành lạnh chạy qua xương sống
     to feel a shiver of cold run through one's spine
   • máy chạy thông ca
     the machine runs through shifts
   • đồng hồ chạy chậm
     this watch runs slow, this watch is slow
   • đài chạy pin