追 (zhuī)

追 means to run after or chase something, and by extension to actively pursue a goal, dream, or romantic interest.

Meanings

[verb] to chase; to run after someone or something to catch them
[verb] to pursue; to seek after a goal, dream, or romantic partner

Example Sentences

那只狗在追一只猫。 Nà zhī gǒu zài zhuī yī zhī māo. That dog is chasing a cat.

警察追上了那个小偷。 Jǐngchá zhuī shàng le nà gè xiǎotōu. The police caught up with the thief.

他一直在追自己的音乐梦想。 Tā yīzhí zài zhuī zìjǐ de yīnyuè mèngxiǎng. He has always been pursuing his music dream.

快追！他跑了！ Kuài zhuī! Tā pǎo le! Quick, chase him! He ran away!

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
追上 (zhuī shàng)	to catch up with
追求 (zhuīqiú)	to pursue; to seek
追赶 (zhuīgǎn)	to chase; to run after
追梦 (zhuī mèng)	to chase a dream
被追 (bèi zhuī)	to be chased

Memory Hook

Picture the character 追 as a person (the left side) racing along a road (辶, the movement radical at the bottom) — always moving forward, always chasing something ahead.