When you combine them, 逃学 (táoxué) literally and vividly means “to escape from studying” or “to flee school.”
In many Western cultures, skipping school is often portrayed in media (like Ferris Bueller's Day Off) as a rite of passage or a lighthearted act of youthful rebellion. In China, 逃学 (táoxué) carries a much heavier cultural weight. The Chinese education system is famously rigorous, with immense pressure on students to succeed, culminating in the life-altering university entrance exam, the 高考 (gāokǎo). Education is traditionally seen as the primary path to a good career, social mobility, and bringing honor to one's family. Therefore, 逃学 is not just seen as laziness; it can be viewed as:
While students are still students and the act itself happens everywhere, the reaction from authority figures—parents and teachers—is often much more severe than in the West. The act is less about “finding yourself” and more about “failing your responsibilities.”
逃学 (táoxué) is a common, everyday term used in informal contexts among students, parents, and teachers.