动荡

• Pinyin: dòng dàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 动 = 重 + 力 (move); 荡 = 艹 + 汤 (sway, surge)

Meaning

To be in turmoil; turbulent. As an adjective, unstable, volatile, or chaotic.

Describes situations of instability and upheaval, typically in political, social, or economic contexts. Can also refer to emotional turbulence or physical oscillation.

Examples

1. 那个国家正处于政治动荡时期。 That country is going through a period of political turmoil.
2. 股市经历了一轮剧烈动荡。 The stock market went through a bout of severe volatility.
3. 动荡的局势使投资者纷纷撤资。 The unstable situation led investors to pull out one after another.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, economics, history

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 社会动荡往往导致经济衰退。(Social turmoil often leads to economic recession.)
• 他在动荡年代依然坚守岗位。(He remained at his post even during turbulent times.)

Don't Say

• 我的心情很动荡 — use 波动 or 起伏 for emotional fluctuations; 动荡 is for larger-scale instability

Origin & History

动 (move) + 荡 (sway/surge)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal