gǎn: 赶 - To Rush, To Hurry, To Catch up

Keywords: gǎn, 赶, Chinese for rush, Chinese for hurry, catch a train in Chinese, 赶时间, 赶火车, 赶飞机, gǎn shímáo, gǎn meaning, gǎn vs zhui, how to use 赶

Summary: Discover the dynamic Chinese verb 赶 (gǎn), an essential word that captures the feeling of rushing to meet a deadline, hurrying to catch a flight, or even driving away pests. This page breaks down its core meanings, from the pressure of “catching up” in a fast-paced society to the simple action of shooing something away. Learn its cultural significance, see practical examples for everyday conversation, and understand the key differences between `赶`, `追 (zhuī)`, and `快 (kuài)` to use it like a native speaker.

Pinyin (with tone marks): gǎn

Part of Speech: Verb

HSK Level: HSK 3

Concise Definition: To rush, to hurry; to catch (a vehicle, a deadline); to drive away.

In a Nutshell: `赶` is an action word filled with a sense of urgency and purpose. It's the feeling of being pressed for time and needing to move quickly to meet an external constraint. Whether you're rushing to finish homework, trying to make the last subway, or shooing a cat off the counter, `赶` is the verb that describes that purposeful, time-sensitive action. It's less about the speed itself and more about the *reason* for the speed: to not be left behind.

The character `赶` is a phono-semantic compound.

Radical (走 - zǒu): The left side is the “walk” or “run” radical, which provides the meaning. It clearly indicates movement, speed, and travel.

Phonetic Component (干 - gān): The right side provides the sound. `干` (gān) sounds similar to `赶` (gǎn) and lends its pronunciation to the character.

Combined Meaning: The character powerfully combines the concept of “running” or “moving” (`走`) with the sound `gān` to create the verb `赶` (gǎn), meaning “to rush” or “to hurry” towards a goal.

`赶` is a verb that perfectly encapsulates the rhythm of modern Chinese life, especially in major cities. The phrase `赶时间` (gǎn shíjiān - to be in a hurry) is a daily mantra for millions of students and professionals. This reflects a societal value placed on efficiency, punctuality, and seizing opportunities in a rapidly developing environment.

In Western culture, “hurrying” can sometimes have a negative connotation, suggesting carelessness or a lack of planning. In China, however, `赶` is often seen as neutral or even positive—it signifies diligence, ambition, and a commitment to keeping pace. It's the opposite of being lazy or falling behind. The pressure is often external (a train schedule, a project deadline) rather than internal (personal impatience). To `赶` is to actively engage with the demands of the world around you.

`赶` is an incredibly common and versatile verb. Its meaning shifts slightly based on the object that follows it.

赶紧 (gǎnjǐn) - An adverb meaning “hastily” or “without delay.” It emphasizes the need to do something right away. It's the feeling you have when you need to `赶`.

赶快 (gǎnkuài) - An adverb very similar to `赶紧`, meaning “quickly” or “at once.” Often interchangeable.

追 (zhuī) - To chase a moving object or person. A related but distinct concept.

着急 (zhāojí) - An adjective meaning “worried” or “anxious,” often because you are running late and need to `赶`.

赶不上 (gǎn bu shàng) - The potential form, meaning “can't catch” or “unable to make it in time.”

赶得上 (gǎn de shàng) - The potential form, meaning “can catch” or “able to make it in time.”

时髦 (shímáo) - Fashion; trend. Used in the common phrase `赶时髦` (to follow trends).

来不及 (láibují) - A very common expression meaning “there's not enough time” or “it's too late.” This is the state you're in when you `赶不上`.

来得及 (láidejí) - The opposite of `来不及`, meaning “there is still enough time.” If it's `来得及`, you can `赶得上`.