动 (dòng) - to move & to act
动 · dòng
to move;
to act;
to change;
to stir;
to operate;
to use;
to affect
to moveto actto change
Usage highlights
movementactionmotivedynamicactivityto move
Usage & contexts
Examples
- The car is moving (汽车在动).
- He made a move (他动了一下).
- Don't move (不要动).
- This machine is operating (这台机器在动).
Collocations
- movement(运动)
- action(动作)
- motive(动机)
- dynamic(动态)
- activity(活动)
- to move(移动)
Idioms
- To act according to circumstances(随机应变)
- To move heaven and earth(惊天动地)
- To startle the world(惊世骇俗)
- To be moved to tears(感动落泪)
- To take action(采取行动)
Cultural background
FAQ- The character combines 重 (heavy/weight) and 力 (force), suggesting the application of force to move something heavy.
- In Chinese philosophy, movement and stillness are complementary concepts, with 动 representing the active, changing aspect of existence.
- The character appears in many compound words related to physical activity, mechanical operation, and emotional response.