Meanings of 动
By ear
Play it, then pick what 动 means.
About 动
Podcast: 动
Podcast: 动
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 动
移动 (yídòng) - use 移动 when emphasizing the aspect of shifting from one place to another, while 动 (dòng) is more general for any kind of movement or action.
Be cautious with the tone; '动' is pronounced with a fourth tone (dòng) and can be confused with other similar sounding words. It is often used in phrases like 动作 (dòng zuò, action) and 动力 (dòng lì, motivation). Ensure you use it in contexts that involve movement or change.
While 动 is not an HSK Level 1 word, it is essential for HSK 2 and beyond, especially when forming sentences involving actions. Focus on its usage in combination with other verbs and in various contexts to enhance understanding.
Learners often confuse 动 with 动作 (dòng zuò, action) and may misuse them interchangeably. For example, saying '我喜欢动作' instead of '我喜欢动' (I like to move) is incorrect; the first means 'I like actions,' which is a different context.
Pronunciation of 动
Drill the tone of 动 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 动 to You
Let me explain 动 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 动 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 动
Simplified form of 動. Phonosemantic compound. 力 represents the meaning and 重 represents the sound.
strength
Origin
What kind of character is 动?
Decomposition of 动
Parts
Which of these is part of 动?
How to say to use in Chinese
“to use” in Chinese is动
The character 动 (dòng) primarily means 'to move' or 'to act.' It can refer to physical movement, emotional changes, or the act of using something. This character is frequently used in contexts related to activities, actions, and verbs in the Chinese language.
When to use 动
Be cautious with the tone; '动' is pronounced with a fourth tone (dòng) and can be confused with other similar sounding words. It is often used in phrases like 动作 (dòng zuò, action) and 动力 (dòng lì, motivation). Ensure you use it in contexts that involve movement or change.
动 or something close to it
移动 (yídòng) - use 移动 when emphasizing the aspect of shifting from one place to another, while 动 (dòng) is more general for any kind of movement or action.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 动 with 动作 (dòng zuò, action) and may misuse them interchangeably. For example, saying '我喜欢动作' instead of '我喜欢动' (I like to move) is incorrect; the first means 'I like actions,' which is a different context.
Write 动
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 动 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 动
动 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 15 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我把油画平放以防止未干的颜料流____。
I lay the painting flat to stop the wet paint running.
Example Sentences for 动 (22)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 动?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 动
In Western cultures, the idea of movement often focuses on physical activity and action, while in Chinese culture, it encompasses emotional and spiritual dimensions as well.
Word Family of 动
Characters with 动
What does 恸 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 动
动 can mean to move, to act, or to change, depending on the context. It's widely used in phrases related to action.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 动?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.