动手

• Pinyin: dòng shǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 动 (move) + 手 (hand)

Meaning

To start work; to get physical; to begin doing. To begin using one's hands for an activity.

Has two main meanings: (1) to begin doing something practically, especially manual work (动手做), and (2) to hit someone or engage in physical fighting (动手打人). Context determines the meaning.

Examples

1. 别光说不练，赶紧动手做吧。 Don't just talk without doing — hurry up and get started.
2. 他们吵着吵着就动手了，幸好被人拉开了。 They argued and argued until they started fighting — luckily someone pulled them apart.
3. 这道菜不难，你自己动手试试看。 This dish isn't difficult — try making it yourself.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, work, conflict

Tone: action-oriented

Do Say

• 咱们动手吧。(Let's get started.)
• 不要动手！(Don't get physical!)

Don't Say

• 说'对老人动手'特指暴力行为——如果是帮忙做事，说'帮忙'更清楚 (对老人动手 specifically implies violence — for helping with tasks, 帮忙 is clearer)

Origin & History

Compound of 动 (to move) + 手 (hand), meaning to move one's hands into action.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal