How to Say “Evacuate now” in Chinese
Emergencies and health · HSK 4
"Evacuate now" in Chinese is 马上撤离！ (Mǎshàng chèlí!). 撤离 (chèlí) is the formal word for 'evacuate' you'll hear on emergency broadcasts, fire drill announcements, and from police; 请立即撤离 is the standard phrasing. In real panic, Chinese speakers switch to much shorter commands: 快跑 (kuài pǎo, run!) or 快走 (kuài zǒu, leave!).
Primary translation
马上撤离！
Mǎshàng chèlí!
Traditional: 馬上撤離！
Variants by register
Formal
请立即撤离现场
Qǐng lìjí chèlí xiànchǎng
Casual
快跑！快离开这里！
Kuài pǎo! Kuài líkāi zhèlǐ!
When to use it
撤离 (chèlí) is the formal word for 'evacuate' you'll hear on emergency broadcasts, fire drill announcements, and from police; 请立即撤离 is the standard phrasing. In real panic, Chinese speakers switch to much shorter commands: 快跑 (kuài pǎo, run!) or 快走 (kuài zǒu, leave!). 马上 (mǎshàng, literally 'on a horse') means right this second; stronger than 立刻 (lìkè) in feeling, though both translate as 'immediately'. In earthquake-prone areas like Sichuan or Yunnan, locals know the drill and will usually lead you; follow them, don't use the elevator (不要用电梯 bú yào yòng diàntī).
Example sentences
着火了！大家马上撤离！
Zháohuǒ le! Dàjiā mǎshàng chèlí!
Fire! Everyone evacuate immediately!
请按照应急通道撤离，不要使用电梯。
Qǐng ànzhào yìngjí tōngdào chèlí, bú yào shǐyòng diàntī.
Please evacuate via the emergency exit, do not use the elevator.
地震了，快撤离到空旷的地方！
Dìzhèn le, kuài chèlí dào kōngkuàng de dìfāng!
Earthquake! Evacuate to an open area quickly!