搬运 (yùn bān) is a compound verb meaning 'to transport' or 'to carry'—especially heavy, bulky, or multiple items from one place to another. The character 搬 (bān) means 'to lift and move something by hand', while 运 (yùn) means 'to convey, ship, or deliver'. Together, they emphasize the physical act of moving things, often requiring effort, coordination, or equipment like carts or trucks. It’s commonly used in logistics, moving households, construction, and warehouse work.

This word is neutral in register and widely used in both spoken and written Chinese. Unlike single-character verbs like 拿 (ná, 'to take') or 提 (tí, 'to carry by hand'), 搬运 implies movement over distance and often involves weight, volume, or logistical planning. It can be used transitively (e.g., 搬运货物) or intransitively with directional complements (e.g., 搬运进来). It’s rarely used for abstract or metaphorical 'transport', such as data or ideas—those contexts use other terms like 传输 (chuánshū) or 传递 (chuándì).