动摇

• Pinyin: dòng yáo
• Hanzi breakdown: 动 = 云 (phonetic, simplified) + 力 (power); 摇 = 扌(hand) + 缶 + 夭 (phonetic component)

Meaning

To waver; to shake; to vacillate. To become unsteady in one's belief, decision, or resolve.

Primarily used in abstract contexts to describe wavering confidence, determination, or loyalty. Can also describe physically shaking a foundation or structure. Common in phrases like 动摇信心 (shake one's confidence) and 决心不动摇 (determination does not waver).

Examples

1. 不管遇到什么困难，他的决心都没有动摇。 No matter what difficulties he faces, his determination has never wavered.
2. 这件事动摇了大家对公司的信心。 This incident shook everyone's confidence in the company.
3. 别让别人的话动摇了你的想法。 Don't let other people's words shake your conviction.

Usage Guide

Context: determination, abstract

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 我的决定不会动摇。(My decision will not waver.)
• 这个消息动摇了市场的信心。(This news shook market confidence.)

Don't Say

• 用'动摇'形容物理上的摇晃 (Don't use 动摇 to describe physically shaking an object in everyday speech — use 摇 or 摇晃 instead; 动摇 is primarily for abstract wavering)

Origin & History

Compound of 动 (to move) and 摇 (to shake, to sway). Together they intensify the sense of instability or vacillation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal