noun HSK 3
Traditional 動作
dòng zuò
movement · motion · action · gesture

Meaning

动作 refers to physical movements, actions, or gestures made by the body or body parts. It can describe anything from simple gestures to complex choreographed movements in sports, dance, or martial arts. The word emphasizes the physical aspect of doing something.

Usage

Commonly used to describe body movements in sports, dance, exercise, or daily activities. Often appears in phrases like 做动作 (to make a movement/gesture) or 动作快 (quick movements). In casual speech, it can also mean 'hurry up' when someone says 你动作快点 (move faster/hurry up).

Examples

  1. 01
    他的动作很标准,每个细节都做得很好。
    de dòng zuò hěn biāo zhǔn, měi jié dōu zuò de hěn hǎo.
    His movements are very standard; he does every detail well.
  2. 02
    这个动作有点难,你需要多练习。
    Zhè ge dòng zuò yǒu diǎn nán, yào duō liàn .
    This movement is a bit difficult; you need to practice more.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个动作

Common collocations

  • 动作
    zuò dòng zuò
    to make a movement/gesture
  • 动作
    dòng zuò kuài
    fast movements, to move quickly
  • 动作
    dòng zuò piàn
    action movie
  • 动作
    màn dòng zuò
    slow motion

Antonyms

Origin

Combines 动 (movement) and 作 (to make/do), literally meaning 'to make movement' or 'the act of moving.'

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