东奔西走

dōng bēn xī zǒu

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Idiom Rare

Definitions

1. to run this way and that (idiom); to rush about busily
2. to bustle about
3. to hopscotch
4. also 东跑西颠dōng pǎo xī diān

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Word relationships

Related words

1 item

奔波

bēn bō

to rush about

core verb

Usage notes

Collocations

Often used with 为了 (for the sake of) or 到处 (everywhere) to emphasize the reason or scope of rushing around.

Common mistakes

Do not use 东奔西走 for leisurely strolling; it implies hurried, tiring movement.

Grammar

Guides that feature 东奔西走

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1 guide

HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 7–9+ 5 min

东A西B for “Here and There, All Over”

Use 东张西望 and 东奔西走 to say an action is scattered in many directions or places.

Reading: dōng bēn xī zǒu Open guide

Example Sentences

1 shown

为了找工作，他整天东奔西走。

He rushes about all day to find a job.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 东奔西走

to hurry

to go to

east

the West

to walk