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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to move' with 动 (dòng)

    Actions & Events
    Direction & Movement

    Structure

    Subject + 动 / Verb + 动

    Explanation

    动 (dòng) means 'to move' or 'to stir,' indicating that something begins or undergoes physical motion. It is a highly versatile character that also serves as a component in many compound verbs like 运动 (exercise) and 感动 (moved emotionally).

    Examples

    • 别动,让我帮你把头发上的树叶拿掉。

      Bié dòng, ràng wǒ bāng nǐ bǎ tóufa shàng de shùyè ná diào.

      Don't move, let me remove the leaf from your hair.

    • 地震的时候整栋楼都在动。

      Dìzhèn de shíhou zhěng dòng lóu dōu zài dòng.

      During the earthquake, the entire building was shaking.

    • 这个箱子太重了,我一个人搬不动。

      Zhège xiāngzi tài zhòng le, wǒ yī gè rén bān bù dòng.

      This box is too heavy, I can't move it by myself.

    Expressing 'to move' with 动 (dòng) | Chinese Grammar