奔

High-velocity, urgent movement. The glyph denotes a burst of speed or intense exertion rather than general travel. This includes both rushing toward a destination and fleeing from a threat. Use may extend metaphorically to the rapid flow of water or the passage of time.

Compared to 走 (zǒu), which also meant "to run" in Old Chinese, 奔 represents a higher degree of intensity, desperation, or urgency. Compared to 行 (xíng), which refers to the process of a journey or general travel, 奔 describes a sudden event—a dash or flight—emphasizing intensity over distance.

The reading //bən// is stable across relevant periods. The form U+7287 is a graphical variant that does not alter the semantic core.

The glyph itself does not inherently specify direction. Distinguish between "rushing" and "fleeing" by looking for destination markers (indicating a goal) or the presence of a pursuing agent (indicating flight). In the absence of these markers, the sense often leans toward panic or flight.