举动

• Pinyin: jǔ dòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 举 = 与 (give) + 手 (hand), depicting lifting with hands; 动 = 重 (heavy) + 力 (strength), depicting exerting force

Meaning

Action; move; behavior. A specific action or movement, especially one that is noticeable or significant.

Refers to observable actions or behaviors, often those that are unusual, suspicious, or noteworthy. Commonly used when discussing someone's conduct in a particular situation or when actions carry special significance.

Examples

1. 他最近的举动让人感到非常奇怪。 His recent actions have made people feel very strange.
2. 警察一直在监视嫌疑人的一举一动。 The police have been monitoring the suspect's every move.
3. 她这个举动表明她已经原谅了他。 This gesture of hers shows that she has already forgiven him.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, formal, written

Tone: observational

Do Say

• 他的举动引起了大家的注意。(His actions attracted everyone's attention.)
• 每一个举动都要小心谨慎。(Every move must be careful and cautious.)

Don't Say

• 我每天的举动就是吃饭睡觉。(Don't use 举动 for routine daily activities — it implies notable or significant actions)

Origin & History

举 (jǔ, raise/act) + 动 (dòng, move/action). Together they describe the actions one takes.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal