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手动 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
手动shǒudòngmanualHSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #9669, Very Hard
手动shǒudòngmanually operatedHSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #9669, Very Hard
手动shǒudòngmanual gear-changeHSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #9669, Very Hard
shǒudòng(shou3dong4)shou dong T3
  1. 1manual
  2. 2manually operated
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March 24, 2026

手动(手動)shǒudòng(shou3dong4)

手动 (shǒudòng) refers to something that is operated by hand rather than automatically. It is commonly used in contexts such as machinery, vehicles, and technology where manual control is necessary, distinguishing it from automated functions.

Strokes10Frequency#9669DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In China, as in many parts of the world, the shift from manual to automatic processes in industries is significant. The term 手动 is often used in the context of traditional crafts, where manual skills are highly valued.

Memory tip

Imagine a pair of hands (手, shǒu) turning a large gear (动, dòng) manually. Visualize a person using their hands to control machinery, emphasizing the idea of manual operation.

Meanings of 手动

shǒudòng(shou3dong4)
1manual
2manually operated
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 手动

手动Simplified
手動Traditional
10Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 手动

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Podcast: 手动

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AI study notes for 手动

Quick Contrast

自动 (zìdòng) - use 手动 when emphasizing manual operation as opposed to automated processes.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 手动 with 自动 (zìdòng), which means automatic. Use 手动 in contexts where human effort is required. This term is more common in technical discussions and less so in casual conversation.

HSK Study Tips

While not currently listed in the HSK vocabulary, understanding 手动 can enhance comprehension of related terms like 自动 (automatic) and 机械 (mechanical). Focus on recognizing how these terms are often used together in discussions about technology.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is to use 手动 when referring to automatic features, such as saying '这个机器是手动的' (This machine is manual) when it is actually automatic. The correct phrase would be '这个机器是自动的'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 手动

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Component characters

手shǒuhand
HSK 24 strokes手
View full entry
动dòngto use
HSK 26 strokes力
View full entry

How to say manual in Chinese

“manual” in Chinese is手动shǒudòng

手动 (shǒudòng) refers to something that is operated by hand rather than automatically. It is commonly used in contexts such as machinery, vehicles, and technology where manual control is necessary, distinguishing it from automated functions.

When to use 手动

Learners often confuse 手动 with 自动 (zìdòng), which means automatic. Use 手动 in contexts where human effort is required. This term is more common in technical discussions and less so in casual conversation.

手动 or something close to it

自动 (zìdòng) - use 手动 when emphasizing manual operation as opposed to automated processes.

What learners get wrong

A common mistake is to use 手动 when referring to automatic features, such as saying '这个机器是手动的' (This machine is manual) when it is actually automatic. The correct phrase would be '这个机器是自动的'.

Write 手动

手
动

Practice writing 手动 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Frequently asked questions about 手动

The opposite is 自动 (zìdòng), which means automatic.

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