動 (dòng) - To move & to act

動Tone 4

dòng ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

丁恩

動 · dòng

To move;

to act;

to change position or state;

to motivate;

to stir;

to operate.

To moveto actto change position or state

Usage highlights

MovementActionMotiveEmotionActivityDynamic

Synonyms

  • 移— to shift, to move
  • 运— to transport, to move
  • 行— to go, to move

Antonyms

  • 静— still, quiet
  • 止— to stop
  • 停— to halt

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The car is moving (车在动).
  • He was moved by the story (他被故事感动了).
  • We need to take action (我们需要行动).
  • The machine is operating (机器在动).

Collocations

  • Movement(运动)
  • Action(行动)
  • Motive(动机)
  • Emotion(感情)
  • Activity(活动)
  • Dynamic(动态)

Idioms

  • To be moved to tears(感动得流泪)
  • To take action immediately(雷厉风行)
  • To be moved emotionally(动人心弦)
  • To move heaven and earth(惊天动地)
  • To act according to circumstances(随机应变)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, movement (动) is contrasted with stillness (静), representing the dynamic balance in nature.
  • The character appears in many compound words related to motivation, emotion, and physical motion.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, proper movement of qi (energy) is essential for health.

FAQ