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March 24, 2026
摇摆(搖擺)yáobǎi(yao2bai3)
The verb 摇摆 (yáobǎi) refers to the action of swaying or wobbling back and forth, often used in contexts involving physical movement, like a tree swaying in the wind or someone’s indecision. It can also imply a figurative sense of wavering between choices or opinions. This word conveys a sense of instability and movement.
Strokes26Frequency#5952DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of swaying can be linked to the concept of balance and harmony, often illustrated in traditional dance or music, where movements are graceful and fluid. It reflects the philosophical notion of adapting to change while maintaining one's core.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large tree in a gentle breeze, its branches swaying back and forth (摇摆) as if dancing. The character 摇 (yáo) looks like a tree with a person underneath, and 摆 (bǎi) suggests a back-and-forth motion. Picture the tree swaying to the rhythm of the wind, helping you remember both the pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 摇摆
yáobǎi(yao2bai3)
1to sway
2to wobble
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About 摇摆
摇摆Simplified
搖擺Traditional
26Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5952Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 摇摆
Podcast: 摇摆
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AI Study Notes for 摇摆
Quick Contrast
摇动 (yáodòng) - use 摇摆 when emphasizing the back-and-forth motion, while 摇动 focuses more on the act of shaking without the same connotation of instability.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 摇摆 with other verbs indicating motion, such as 搖 (yáo) or 摆 (bǎi) separately, which can lead to misinterpretation of nuances. This term is more commonly used in informal contexts, but it can also appear in literature or poetry to describe emotional states. Remember to practice the correct tones, as incorrect intonation can completely alter the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 摇摆 is useful for discussing more complex ideas and emotions. Connect it to other words related to movement or change, such as 变 (biàn) or 动 (dòng). Focus on using it in sentences that express both physical and metaphorical swaying or indecision.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 摇摆 to describe steady movements, such as '摇摆走' (yáobǎi zǒu) meaning 'to walk steadily', which is incorrect. A better choice for steady movement would be 走 (zǒu) without 摇摆, as it emphasizes stability rather than wobbly motion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 摇摆
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The verb 摇摆 (yáobǎi) refers to the action of swaying or wobbling back and forth, often used in contexts involving physical movement, like a tree swaying in the wind or someone’s indecision. It can also imply a figurative sense of wavering between choices or opinions. This word conveys a sense of instability and movement.
When to use 摇摆
Learners often confuse 摇摆 with other verbs indicating motion, such as 搖 (yáo) or 摆 (bǎi) separately, which can lead to misinterpretation of nuances. This term is more commonly used in informal contexts, but it can also appear in literature or poetry to describe emotional states. Remember to practice the correct tones, as incorrect intonation can completely alter the meaning.
摇摆 or something close to it
摇动 (yáodòng) - use 摇摆 when emphasizing the back-and-forth motion, while 摇动 focuses more on the act of shaking without the same connotation of instability.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 摇摆 to describe steady movements, such as '摇摆走' (yáobǎi zǒu) meaning 'to walk steadily', which is incorrect. A better choice for steady movement would be 走 (zǒu) without 摇摆, as it emphasizes stability rather than wobbly motion.
Write 摇摆
摇
摆
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Grammar Patterns of 摇摆
摇摆 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 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
窗户外边是一块草地，高高的草随风____。
The windows overlooked a lawn of tall waving grass.
