变动

• Pinyin: biàn dòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 变 = 亦 (also) + 攵 (tap), meaning change; 动 = 云 + 力 (strength)

Meaning

Change; fluctuation; alteration. A modification or shift in something previously stable.

Used for changes in schedules, personnel (人事变动), prices, or situations. More formal than 变化, often implying official or significant changes. Can be both noun and verb.

Examples

1. 公司最近有些人事变动，好几位经理都换了。 The company has had some personnel changes recently; several managers have been replaced.
2. 航班时间可能会有变动，请随时关注通知。 Flight times may change; please pay attention to notifications.
3. 市场价格不断变动，投资者需要谨慎。 Market prices keep fluctuating; investors need to be cautious.

Usage Guide

Context: business, official, schedules

Tone: matter-of-fact

Do Say

• 计划有变动。(There's been a change in plans.)
• 如有变动，另行通知。(If there are any changes, we'll notify you separately.)

Don't Say

• 对个人情绪变化用'变动'——用'变化'或'波动'更合适 (Don't use 变动 for personal emotional changes — use 变化 or 波动 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 变 (change) + 动 (move), emphasizing change that involves movement or action.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal