动不动

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Character Breakdown

Usage and Meaning

The adverb 动不动 (dòngbùdòng) is used to describe something happening frequently or easily, often with a negative or annoying connotation. It implies that the action or event occurs without much reason or too often, such as getting angry, being late, or falling ill.

Common Contexts

This word is often used to criticize or complain about someone's habitual behavior or a recurring situation that causes inconvenience or frustration.

Collocations and Patterns

Register and Tone

The tone is informal and often carries a slightly negative or critical nuance. It is commonly used in spoken Chinese to express annoyance or dissatisfaction.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 动不动 with similar frequency adverbs like 经常 (jīngcháng) which is more neutral. 动不动 emphasizes the frequency is excessive or irritating.

Example Sentences

He loses his temper at the slightest provocation; nobody really likes

Being late all the time shows he doesn't have a strong sense of time.

She falls ill easily and often; maybe her health is relatively weak.