动手

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Character Breakdown

Usage of 动手

The phrase 动手 literally means 'to move the hand,' but it is commonly used to mean 'to start doing something' or 'to set about a task.' It often implies beginning a physical action or practical work. For example, when cooking or assembling something, you can say 动手 to indicate starting the work.

Another common use of 动手 is to describe starting a fight or physical confrontation, as in '动手' (start hitting someone). This usage is more colloquial and often appears in spoken language.

Common Collocations

  • 动手 (start doing/making something): emphasizes beginning a manual task.
  • 动手 (start hitting someone): refers to initiating physical violence.
  • 动手 (undergo surgery): a fixed phrase meaning to perform surgery.

Notes

动手 is often used in imperative or suggestive sentences to encourage immediate action. It contrasts with more abstract verbs like 开始 (to begin) by emphasizing physical involvement. Avoid confusing 动手 with 动作, which refers to movement or action in general rather than starting an action.

Understanding these nuances will help learners use 动手 naturally in both everyday and more intense contexts.

Example Sentences

Let's start preparing dinner right now.

As soon as he heard someone insult him, he started hitting them.

The project manager asked the team to start implementing the plan as soon as