Meanings of 动手
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Podcast: 动手
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AI Study Notes for 动手
动手 (dòng shǒu) vs 上手 (shàng shǒu) — use 动手 when emphasizing the act of engaging physically or starting a task, while 上手 focuses on becoming familiar with a task or skill.
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 动手, as mispronunciation can change the meaning. In informal contexts, you might hear it used to mean 'to start doing something', while in formal contexts, it may refer specifically to physical actions. Common collocations include 动手做 (dòng shǒu zuò, to start doing) and 动手打 (dòng shǒu dǎ, to hit).
As an HSK 6 word, 动手 connects with other vocabulary related to physical actions and engagement, such as 操作 (cāozuò, to operate) and 实践 (shíjiàn, to practice). Students should focus on using it in both its physical and metaphorical senses to enhance their fluency.
Learners often confuse 动手 with similar phrases, mistakenly using it in contexts where a more precise term is required. For example, saying '我动手写作业' (Wǒ dòng shǒu xiě zuòyè) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我开始写作业' (Wǒ kāishǐ xiě zuòyè, I begin to do homework).
Pronunciation of 动手
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Jason Explains 动手 to You
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Component Characters
How to say to set about (a task) in Chinese
“to set about (a task)” in Chinese is动手
动手 (dòng shǒu) refers to the act of physically engaging in a task or activity, often implying a hands-on approach. It can also mean to hit or punch someone, showcasing an action taken with one's hands. This term is commonly used in contexts such as starting work on a project or when discussing physical confrontations.
When to use 动手
Be careful with the tone when pronouncing 动手, as mispronunciation can change the meaning. In informal contexts, you might hear it used to mean 'to start doing something', while in formal contexts, it may refer specifically to physical actions. Common collocations include 动手做 (dòng shǒu zuò, to start doing) and 动手打 (dòng shǒu dǎ, to hit).
动手 or something close to it
动手 (dòng shǒu) vs 上手 (shàng shǒu) — use 动手 when emphasizing the act of engaging physically or starting a task, while 上手 focuses on becoming familiar with a task or skill.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 动手 with similar phrases, mistakenly using it in contexts where a more precise term is required. For example, saying '我动手写作业' (Wǒ dòng shǒu xiě zuòyè) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我开始写作业' (Wǒ kāishǐ xiě zuòyè, I begin to do homework).
Write 动手
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Practice writing 动手 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 动手
动手 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 4 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.
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大家一齐____，很快就把路上的垃圾清理干净了。
Everyone pitched in together, and the garbage on the road was quickly cleaned up.
Example Sentences for 动手 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 动手
No, while 动手 can mean to hit or punch, it is more commonly used to indicate starting a task or engaging in hands-on activities.
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