摆动

• Pinyin: bǎi dòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 摆 = 扌(hand) + 罢 (phonetic); 动 = 云 (phonetic) + 力 (force), meaning move

Meaning

To sway; to swing; to oscillate. Describes a back-and-forth movement.

Used for rhythmic, repetitive side-to-side or back-and-forth motion. Applies to tree branches in the wind, a pendulum, arms while walking, a dog's tail, and similar movements. Implies a relatively gentle, regular motion rather than violent shaking.

Examples

1. 风吹过来，树枝轻轻地摆动着。 When the wind blew over, the tree branches swayed gently.
2. 走路的时候，手臂要自然地摆动。 When walking, your arms should swing naturally.
3. 钟摆不停地摆动，发出有规律的声音。 The pendulum swings continuously, making a regular sound.

Usage Guide

Context: description, nature, science

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 柳树的枝条在风中摆动。(The willow branches sway in the wind.)
• 跑步时手臂要有节奏地摆动。(When running, your arms should swing rhythmically.)

Don't Say

• 说'地震让房子摆动' (Don't use 摆动 for violent shaking like an earthquake — use 震动 or 摇晃 instead)

Origin & History

A compound of 摆 (to arrange, to swing) and 动 (to move). Together they specifically describe the action of swinging or swaying.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal