动

• Pinyin: dòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 动 = simplified from 動 (重 heavy + 力 strength) — to move with effort

Meaning

To move; to act. Indicates physical movement or action.

Used for physical motion (不要动, don't move), emotional stirring (感动, moved/touched), and as a component in many compounds: 运动 (exercise/sports), 动物 (animal), 活动 (activity). Often paired with 不 for negation: 动不了 (can't move).

Examples

1. 别动，我给你拍照。 Don't move, I'm taking your photo.
2. 这个箱子太重，我搬不动。 This box is too heavy; I can't move it.
3. 风吹得树叶在动。 The wind is blowing the leaves, making them move.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, instruction

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 不要动！(Don't move!)
• 你能动一下吗？(Can you move a bit?)

Don't Say

• 动去学校 meaning 'go to school' (动 means physical motion, not going somewhere — say 去学校)

Origin & History

Simplified from 動, composed of 重 (heavy) + 力 (strength) — exerting strength to move something heavy.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal