Meanings of 动作
By ear
Play it, then pick what 动作 means.
About 动作
Podcast: 动作
Podcast: 动作
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 动作
行为 (xíngwéi) refers to behavior or conduct, emphasizing the intention behind actions, while 动作 (dòngzuò) focuses more on the physical movements themselves.
Be careful not to confuse 动作 with just '动' (dòng), which means 'to move.' 动作 is more specific to the concept of action or movement. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but may be used more frequently in discussions about sports, theater, or physical activities.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 动作 connects to other vocabulary related to physical actions or descriptions of activities. Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe what people do, and practice with related verbs like '做' (zuò) meaning 'to do.'
Learners often mistakenly use 动作 as a direct synonym for 'action' in all contexts. For example, saying '他有很多动作' (tā yǒu hěnduō dòngzuò) might be misinterpreted if the context is about emotions rather than physical actions. A more appropriate phrase would be '他的行为很多' (tā de xíngwéi hěnduō) for 'he has many actions/behaviors.'
Pronunciation of 动作
Drill the tone of 动作, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 动作 to you
Let me explain 动作 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 动作 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 动作?
Learning Lab
Knowing 动作 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say movement in Chinese
“movement” in Chinese is动作
动作 (dòngzuò) refers to physical movements or actions that a person or object takes. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing gestures, activities in sports, or even the actions taken in a narrative or performance. The term emphasizes the dynamic aspect of these movements.
When to use 动作
Be careful not to confuse 动作 with just '动' (dòng), which means 'to move.' 动作 is more specific to the concept of action or movement. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but may be used more frequently in discussions about sports, theater, or physical activities.
动作 or something close to it
行为 (xíngwéi) refers to behavior or conduct, emphasizing the intention behind actions, while 动作 (dòngzuò) focuses more on the physical movements themselves.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 动作 as a direct synonym for 'action' in all contexts. For example, saying '他有很多动作' (tā yǒu hěnduō dòngzuò) might be misinterpreted if the context is about emotions rather than physical actions. A more appropriate phrase would be '他的行为很多' (tā de xíngwéi hěnduō) for 'he has many actions/behaviors.'
Write 动作
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 动作 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 动作
动作 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 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.
这一____舒展脊椎，使脊神经更加强健。
This movement lengthens your spine and tones the spinal nerves.
Example sentences for 动作 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 动作?
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 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 动作
动作 refers specifically to physical movements or actions, while 行动 (xíngdòng) refers more broadly to actions taken, especially in a strategic or purposeful context.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 动作?
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.