振动

• Pinyin: zhèn dòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 振 = 扌(hand) + 辰 (phonetic); 动 = 云 + 力 (force)

Meaning

To vibrate; to oscillate. The physical movement of something back and forth rapidly.

Used for mechanical vibrations, phone vibrations, or scientific oscillation. Common phrases: 振动模式 (vibration mode), 机械振动 (mechanical vibration), 手机振动 (phone vibration). More technical than 颤动, which describes trembling.

Examples

1. 地震时整栋楼都在剧烈振动。 The entire building was shaking violently during the earthquake.
2. 我把手机调成振动模式，避免打扰别人。 I set my phone to vibration mode to avoid disturbing others.
3. 这台洗衣机振动太大，需要修理一下。 This washing machine vibrates too much and needs repair.

Usage Guide

Context: technical, everyday, physics

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请把手机调成振动。(Please set your phone to vibrate.)
• 引擎的振动很明显。(The engine vibration is obvious.)

Don't Say

• 我的心在振动 (For emotions, use 颤抖 or 激动 — 振动 is mechanical)

Origin & History

Compound of 振 (to shake, to stir up) and 动 (to move). Together meaning oscillating movement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal