Common Meanings
1
pǎo跑
To run; to move quickly on foot, typically at a speed faster than walking.
他每天早上都去公园跑步，锻炼身体。
He goes to the park to run every morning to exercise.
to run; to move quickly
他每天都跑半小时的步。
He runs for half an hour every day.
to run away; to escape
小狗从院子里跑出去了。
The puppy ran out of the yard.
To leak; to escape (e.g., electricity, gas, air, or liquid).
这个轮胎好像跑气了，得赶紧补。
This tire seems to be leaking air; I need to get it fixed quickly.
To run around for a specific purpose, often for business or work, indicating diligent effort or travel.
他是个跑业务的，每天都要和不同的客户打交道。
He is a sales representative, dealing with different clients every day.
2
páo跑
When pronounced 'páo', '跑' refers to animals pawing at the ground with their feet, often seen in phrases like '跑糟' (livestock pawing at the trough) or as part of place names like '虎跑泉' (Tiger Pawing Spring).
这匹马喜欢在草地上跑地。
This horse likes to paw the ground on the grass.