Meanings of 动摇
By ear
Play it, then pick what 动摇 means.
About 动摇
Podcast: 动摇
Podcast: 动摇
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 动摇
动摇 (dòngyáo) vs 摇摆 (yáobǎi): use 动摇 for a metaphorical sense of weakening resolve, while 摇摆 emphasizes physical swaying or indecision.
This word is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but caution should be taken not to use it lightly in serious discussions. Common collocations include 动摇信念 (waver in belief) and 动摇决心 (shake one's determination). Pay attention to the tones; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
While 动摇 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners at the HSK 5 level, where more nuanced expressions are introduced. Students should focus on understanding its usage in various contexts, especially in discussions about beliefs and decisions.
Learners might confuse 动摇 with similar words like 摇晃 (yáohuàng), which means 'to shake' but lacks the nuance of wavering in conviction. For example, saying '我动摇我的决定' (I waver my decision) is incorrect; it should be '我动摇了我的决定' (I have wavered in my decision).
Pronunciation of 动摇
Drill the tone of 动摇 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 动摇 to You
Let me explain 动摇 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 动摇 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 动摇?
Learning Lab
Knowing 动摇 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 to sway in Chinese
“to sway” in Chinese is动摇
动摇 refers to the act of swaying or wavering, both literally and metaphorically. It is often used to describe a situation where someone's resolve or belief is challenged or weakened, such as in discussions about faith, decisions, or political issues.
When to use 动摇
This word is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but caution should be taken not to use it lightly in serious discussions. Common collocations include 动摇信念 (waver in belief) and 动摇决心 (shake one's determination). Pay attention to the tones; using the wrong tone can change the meaning entirely.
动摇 or something close to it
动摇 (dòngyáo) vs 摇摆 (yáobǎi): use 动摇 for a metaphorical sense of weakening resolve, while 摇摆 emphasizes physical swaying or indecision.
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 动摇 with similar words like 摇晃 (yáohuàng), which means 'to shake' but lacks the nuance of wavering in conviction. For example, saying '我动摇我的决定' (I waver my decision) is incorrect; it should be '我动摇了我的决定' (I have wavered in my decision).
Write 动摇
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 动摇 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 动摇?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 动摇
You can say, '他的信念没有动摇,' which means 'His beliefs have not wavered.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 动摇?
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.