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March 24, 2026
动不动(動不動)dòngbudòng(dong4bu5dong4)
The phrase 动不动 refers to something that happens easily or frequently, often implying a negative or undesirable occurrence. It can describe events such as accidents or illnesses that occur with little provocation or warning.
Frequency#15251DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on health and wellness, so phrases like 动不动 are often used to express concern over frequent illnesses, reflecting a collective awareness of well-being.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person who is so jumpy that they react to the slightest sound. The character 动 (dong) resembles a person in motion, while 不动 (bu dong) suggests a state of immobility. Together, 动不动 symbolizes how easily someone can be set in motion by unexpected events.
Meanings of 动不动
dòngbudòng(dong4bu5dong4)
1apt to happen (usually of sth undesirable)
2frequently
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About 动不动
动不动Simplified
動不動Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 动不动
Podcast: 动不动
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AI Study Notes for 动不动
Quick Contrast
常常 (chángcháng, often) — use 动不动 when emphasizing the ease or undesirability of the occurrence, while 常常 simply indicates frequency without the negative connotation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person who is so jumpy that they react to the slightest sound. The character 动 (dong) resembles a person in motion, while 不动 (bu dong) suggests a state of immobility. Together, 动不动 symbolizes how easily someone can be set in motion by unexpected events.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 动不动 to describe positive occurrences; it generally conveys negative situations. It's typically used in informal contexts, so be cautious in formal settings. A common collocation is 动不动就生病 (to get sick frequently).
HSK Study Tips
Although 动不动 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it complements HSK 3 and 4 words related to health and frequency, such as 常常 (often) and 偶尔 (occasionally). Focus on understanding how it modifies the frequency of undesirable events.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on health and wellness, so phrases like 动不动 are often used to express concern over frequent illnesses, reflecting a collective awareness of well-being.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 动不动 with 常常 (often), mistakenly using it in contexts that describe positive events. For example, saying '他动不动就成功' (He easily succeeds) is incorrect; the correct phrase would be '他常常成功'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 动不动
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Cultural Notes for 动不动
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on health and wellness, so phrases like 动不动 are often used to express concern over frequent illnesses, reflecting a collective awareness of well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions about 动不动
No, 动不动 is typically used for negative or undesirable events.
You can say, '他动不动就生病', meaning 'He often gets sick easily'.
