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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to take action' with 动手 (dòngshǒu)

    Actions & Events
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    Subject + 动手 + (Verb Phrase)

    Explanation

    动手 (dòngshǒu) means "to take action," "to start work," or "to strike/hit," depending on context. It literally combines 动 (to move) and 手 (hand). When used positively it means to get started on something; in conflict contexts, it can mean to resort to physical force.

    Examples

    • 别光说不做，赶紧动手吧。

      Bié guāng shuō bù zuò, gǎnjǐn dòngshǒu ba.

      Stop just talking without doing anything; hurry up and get to work.

    • 大家一起动手，很快就能收拾完。

      Dàjiā yīqǐ dòngshǒu, hěn kuài jiù néng shōushi wán.

      If everyone pitches in together, we can tidy up very quickly.

    • 两个人吵着吵着就动手了。

      Liǎng gè rén chǎozhe chǎozhe jiù dòngshǒu le.

      The two of them argued and argued until it turned into a physical fight.

    Similar Grammar

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    Expressing 'to take action' with 动手 (dòngshǒu) | Chinese Grammar