In 15 Sekunden
- Start doing a physical task.
- Means 'get your hands dirty'.
- Can also mean starting a fight.
- Use `开始` for general 'start'.
Bedeutung
Diese Phrase bedeutet wörtlich 'Hände bewegen'. Sie wird verwendet, wenn Sie endlich mit einer körperlichen Aufgabe beginnen, oder, in einem völlig anderen Kontext, wenn jemand einen körperlichen Kampf beginnt.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 12Texting a friend about a project
这个周末我终于要在家`动手`做那个模型了！
This weekend I'm finally going to start building that model at home!
At a cooking class
老师说，大家可以开始`动手`切菜了。
The teacher said, everyone can start chopping vegetables now.
Job interview (Zoom call)
我具备很强的`动手`能力，能够快速学习和实践新技能。
I possess strong hands-on ability and can quickly learn and practice new skills.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase `动手` likely emerged from a practical, agrarian society where physical labor was paramount. The act of 'moving hands' was the direct indicator of productivity and contribution. It reflects a cultural emphasis on tangible results and the importance of initiative in getting work done. This directness is still valued in many aspects of Chinese culture, from work ethic to martial arts.
The 'Action' Trigger
Think of `动手` as the moment your brain signals 'Okay, hands, time to GO!'. It's the physical initiation.
Fight Club Alert!
Be super careful! If you use `动手` in the wrong context, especially around strangers or in a tense situation, you might sound like you're about to throw down!
In 15 Sekunden
- Start doing a physical task.
- Means 'get your hands dirty'.
- Can also mean starting a fight.
- Use `开始` for general 'start'.
What It Means
动手 (dòng shǒu) is super common in Chinese. It means to start doing something, especially a physical task. It’s the opposite of procrastinating. You finally roll up your sleeves and begin. It carries a vibe of initiation and action. It’s not just thinking about it; it's actually doing it. Imagine you've been planning a big DIY project. The moment you pick up the hammer, you 动手.
How To Use It
You use 动手 when you're about to start a task. It can be a simple chore or a complex project. The key is that it’s the *beginning* of the action. You can use it to tell someone to start, or to announce that you are starting. It’s often used with nouns that describe the task. For example, 动手做饭 (dòng shǒu zuò fàn) means to start cooking. Or 动手打扫 (dòng shǒu dǎsǎo) means to start cleaning. It really emphasizes the physical act of beginning.
Real-Life Examples
- Mom told me to clean my room. So I finally
动手. - Let's stop talking and
动手build this shelf. - The chef decided to
动手prepare the ingredients. - The movie showed the hero deciding to
动手fight the villain. - I saw a post online about starting a garden. The caption was
动手种花！ (Start planting flowers!)
When To Use It
Use 动手 when you want to convey the idea of starting a physical activity. It’s great for telling someone to get going. Or for yourself to signal the start of work. It works well when you want to emphasize the *action* itself. Think of it as a call to action. You can use it when you're motivating yourself or others. It’s perfect for DIY projects, cooking, or any hands-on task. It’s also used, perhaps less pleasantly, for starting a fight. So context is key!
When NOT To Use It
Avoid 动手 for purely mental tasks. If you're just thinking or planning, don't use it. It's not for starting abstract concepts. Don't say you 动手 a math problem if you're just thinking about it. You'd use a different word for that. Also, avoid it for very formal speeches unless you mean a fight. It’s generally a bit too direct for abstract starting. For example, don't say 动手 a new business strategy. That sounds weird. You'd say 开始 (kāishǐ) or 制定 (zhìdìng) instead.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 动手 with just 'doing' something generally. They might use it for tasks that aren't physical. Or they might use it when they mean 'to begin' in a broader sense. For instance, saying 动手考试 (dòng shǒu kǎoshì) is incorrect. You don't 'move your hands' to start an exam; you *take* it. Another mistake is using it for abstract beginnings. You wouldn't say 动手一个想法 (dòng shǒu yī gè xiǎngfǎ) for 'start an idea'.
Similar Expressions
开始(kāishǐ): This is the most general word for 'to start' or 'to begin'. It's more versatile than动手. You can use开始for almost anything, including abstract things.开始工作(kāishǐ gōngzuò) is 'start working'.着手(zhuóshǒu): This is a more formal synonym for动手. It also means to start work, but it sounds more serious. You'd use it for important projects or official tasks. Think of starting a major investigation.开工(kāigōng): This specifically means 'to start work' on a construction project or a large-scale job. It’s very common in building and manufacturing contexts.
Common Variations
动手做(dòng shǒu zuò): This is a very common pairing, meaning 'to start doing' something. It's slightly more emphatic on the 'doing' part.动手做饭(dòng shǒu zuò fàn) – start cooking.动手打(dòng shǒu dǎ): This specifically means 'to start hitting' or 'to start fighting'. It’s the phrase you hear when a fight is about to break out.别逼我动手打你(bié bī wǒ dòng shǒu dǎ nǐ) – Don't force me to hit you.动手能力(dòng shǒu nénglì): This is a noun phrase meaning 'hands-on ability' or 'practical skills'. It describes someone good at physical tasks.
Memory Trick
Picture yourself at a messy desk, surrounded by craft supplies. You sigh, look at the pile of things to assemble, and say, "Okay, time to 动手!" The image of your hands actually picking up glue or scissors helps cement the 'hands-on' meaning. Imagine your hands are literally *moving* to start the job. If you see someone itching to fight, their hands are also moving, ready to 动手!
Quick FAQ
Q. Is 动手 always about physical action?
A. Mostly, yes. It strongly implies a hands-on task. You wouldn't use it for starting a meeting.
Q. Can 动手 be used for starting a business?
A. Not really. You'd use 开始 or 创办 for that. 动手 is more about the physical 'doing'.
Q. What's the difference between 动手 and 开始?
A. 开始 is general 'start'. 动手 specifically means starting a physical task or action.
Nutzungshinweise
`动手` is primarily informal and emphasizes the physical act of starting something. While common for everyday tasks, avoid it for purely mental processes or highly formal situations. Be especially cautious as it can imply starting a physical fight.
The 'Action' Trigger
Think of `动手` as the moment your brain signals 'Okay, hands, time to GO!'. It's the physical initiation.
Fight Club Alert!
Be super careful! If you use `动手` in the wrong context, especially around strangers or in a tense situation, you might sound like you're about to throw down!
DIY Domination
Love DIY? `动手` is your best friend! Use it in captions or when telling friends about your weekend projects to sound like a natural.
Action Over Words
Chinese culture often values tangible results. `动手` embodies this by focusing on the actual *doing*, not just the planning or talking.
Beispiele
12这个周末我终于要在家`动手`做那个模型了！
This weekend I'm finally going to start building that model at home!
Here, `动手` clearly means starting a physical, hands-on activity.
老师说，大家可以开始`动手`切菜了。
The teacher said, everyone can start chopping vegetables now.
Emphasizes the beginning of the physical task of chopping.
我具备很强的`动手`能力，能够快速学习和实践新技能。
I possess strong hands-on ability and can quickly learn and practice new skills.
Here, `动手能力` is a noun phrase meaning practical skills.
终于有时间`动手`改造我的旧吉他了！🎸
Finally have time to start transforming my old guitar! 🎸
Perfect for a social media post about starting a creative project.
你再惹我，我就不客气了，小心我`动手`！
If you bother me again, I won't be polite, watch out, I'll start hitting!
This shows the aggressive meaning of starting a physical confrontation.
这个项目很复杂，我们得`动手`试试才知道行不行。
This project is very complex, we have to start doing it to know if it will work.
Highlights the 'try it out' aspect of starting.
✗ 我想`动手`一个新计划。 → ✓ 我想开始一个新计划。
✗ I want to start a new plan. → ✓ I want to start a new plan.
`动手` implies physical action; `开始` is for general beginnings.
✗ 他在`动手`思考这个问题。 → ✓ 他在思考这个问题。
✗ He is thinking about this problem. → ✓ He is thinking about this problem.
Thinking isn't physical. `动手` would be wrong here; just use 'think'.
终于，我妈吼了一声，我才不情愿地`动手`扫地。
Finally, after my mom yelled, I reluctantly started sweeping the floor.
Adds a touch of humor about reluctance to start a chore.
好了，打包行李，我们现在就`动手`出发！
Okay, pack your bags, let's start and set off now!
Enthusiastic call to action for starting a journey.
项目启动会结束，我们现在就`动手`执行计划。
The project kickoff meeting is over, we will now start executing the plan.
Used in a professional setting to signal the immediate start of work.
你说我做不到？那我就`动手`证明给你看！
You say I can't do it? Then I'll start doing it and prove it to you!
Shows determination and a proactive response to doubt.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
`动手` is used here because assembling furniture is a physical, hands-on task.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
`动手` implies physical action. For starting a project in general, `开始` is more appropriate unless the project involves immediate physical work.
Choose the sentence that uses `动手` correctly.
Which sentence uses `动手` correctly?
Option C uses `动手` correctly for the physical act of cooking. Options A, B, and D use it inappropriately for reading, writing (which can be physical but `开始` is better for the general act), and thinking.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This translation uses `动手` to emphasize the shift from talking to actual physical action.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
The phrase `动不动就` means 'frequently' or 'without warning'. Here, `动手打人` means 'to start hitting people', fitting the context of someone with a bad temper.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
`动手` refers to physical action. For generating ideas, words like `产生` (produce) or `构思` (conceive) are appropriate.
Choose the sentence that uses `动手` correctly.
Which sentence uses `动手` correctly?
Option A uses `动手能力` (hands-on ability). Option B is too general for `动手`. Option C uses `鼓掌` (applaud), not `动手`. Option D is incorrect as writing a diary is not typically described with `动手`.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This uses the common collocation `动手能力` (hands-on ability) to describe practical skills.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
The idiom '光说不练' (guāng shuō bù liàn) means 'all talk and no action'. `动手` is the perfect verb to follow, meaning 'to start doing'.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While a debate can involve gestures, the primary action is intellectual. `开始` is the correct verb for initiating a debate, not `动手`.
Choose the sentence that uses `动手` correctly.
Which sentence uses `动手` correctly?
Option B correctly uses `动手` for the physical act of trying experiments. Option A is wrong (use `担心`). Option C is better with `去` (go) than `动手`. Option D is logically incorrect.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This translation uses `动手打` to convey the immediate start of a physical fight.
🎉 Ergebnis: /12
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 动手
Used when a physical confrontation is imminent or starting.
别逼我动手！
Commonly used for starting any physical task or DIY project.
我来动手做蛋糕。
Used in the noun phrase 'hands-on ability'.
他动手能力很强。
Generally avoided in very formal settings unless referring to a specific, tangible action.
我们现在动手执行。
When Do You 动手?
DIY Project
周末我要动手修我的自行车。
Cooking
妈妈让我动手准备晚餐。
Cleaning
家里太乱了，该动手打扫了。
Starting a Fight
他俩吵了几句，就要动手了。
Crafting
我买了很多材料，准备动手做个模型。
Work Task
我们得动手完成这个报告。
动手 vs. Similar Expressions
Usage Categories of 动手
Physical Tasks
- • Building
- • Cleaning
- • Cooking
- • Repairing
Creative Activities
- • Crafting
- • DIY projects
- • Gardening
Confrontation
- • Fighting
- • Hitting
- • Physical argument
Skills
- • Hands-on ability
- • Practical skills
Aufgabensammlung
12 Aufgaben这个周末我打算自己在家 ______ 组装家具。
`动手` is used here because assembling furniture is a physical, hands-on task.
Finde und korrigiere den Fehler:
我们应该尽快动手这个项目，不能再等了。
`动手` implies physical action. For starting a project in general, `开始` is more appropriate unless the project involves immediate physical work.
Which sentence uses `动手` correctly?
Option C uses `动手` correctly for the physical act of cooking. Options A, B, and D use it inappropriately for reading, writing (which can be physical but `开始` is better for the general act), and thinking.
Let's stop talking and start doing!
Hinweise: Use 'stop talking', Use 'start doing'
This translation uses `动手` to emphasize the shift from talking to actual physical action.
他脾气不好，动不动就______打人。
The phrase `动不动就` means 'frequently' or 'without warning'. Here, `动手打人` means 'to start hitting people', fitting the context of someone with a bad temper.
Finde und korrigiere den Fehler:
我需要动手一些新的想法来解决这个问题。
`动手` refers to physical action. For generating ideas, words like `产生` (produce) or `构思` (conceive) are appropriate.
Which sentence uses `动手` correctly?
Option A uses `动手能力` (hands-on ability). Option B is too general for `动手`. Option C uses `鼓掌` (applaud), not `动手`. Option D is incorrect as writing a diary is not typically described with `动手`.
He has great hands-on skills and can fix almost anything.
Hinweise: Use the noun phrase for 'hands-on skills', Translate 'fix almost anything'
This uses the common collocation `动手能力` (hands-on ability) to describe practical skills.
我们不能光说不练，要赶紧______。
The idiom '光说不练' (guāng shuō bù liàn) means 'all talk and no action'. `动手` is the perfect verb to follow, meaning 'to start doing'.
Finde und korrigiere den Fehler:
他动手了一场激烈的辩论。
While a debate can involve gestures, the primary action is intellectual. `开始` is the correct verb for initiating a debate, not `动手`.
Which sentence uses `动手` correctly?
Option B correctly uses `动手` for the physical act of trying experiments. Option A is wrong (use `担心`). Option C is better with `去` (go) than `动手`. Option D is logically incorrect.
He started fighting immediately.
Hinweise: Use 'immediately', Use 'start hitting'
This translation uses `动手打` to convey the immediate start of a physical fight.
🎉 Ergebnis: /12
Video-Tutorials
Finde Video-Tutorials zu dieser Redewendung auf YouTube.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
18 FragenLiterally, 动手 translates to 'move hands'. This directly relates to the idea of starting a physical task where you need to use your hands.
You should use 动手 when you are about to begin a physical activity or task. This could be anything from cooking and cleaning to building furniture or even starting a fight.
Yes, 动手 strongly implies a physical, hands-on action. It's not typically used for purely mental activities like thinking or planning, unless it's about initiating a physical part of that plan.
开始 is a general term for 'to start' or 'to begin' and can be used for almost anything, including abstract concepts. 动手 specifically refers to starting a physical task or action.
Generally, no. While a job might involve physical tasks, 动手 isn't the best word to describe starting employment. You'd use 开始工作 (start working) or similar phrases instead.
In a professional context, 动手 is often used to mean 'get to work' on a practical task. For example, '我们动手执行这个方案' (Let's start executing this plan) implies moving from planning to action.
动手 is generally considered informal. While it can be used in some work contexts to mean 'get started on tasks', it's not typically used in very formal speeches or writing.
动手能力 (dòng shǒu nénglì) is a noun phrase meaning 'hands-on ability' or 'practical skills'. It describes someone who is good at doing things physically and practically.
Yes, besides 开始, you can use 着手 (zhuóshǒu) for a more formal start, especially on important tasks, and 开工 (kāigōng) specifically for starting construction or major projects.
Using 动手 incorrectly can sound awkward or even aggressive. For example, saying '动手思考' (start thinking with hands) makes no sense. Using it when you mean 'start a fight' inappropriately could cause serious misunderstandings.
Absolutely! 动手 is perfect for creative projects that require physical action, like painting, sculpting, crafting, or even programming if you're referring to the physical act of typing and building.
Yes, 着手 (zhuóshǒu) is a more formal equivalent, often used for initiating significant tasks or projects, carrying a sense of careful commencement.
Saying 开始做饭 (kāishǐ zuò fàn) means 'to start cooking' in general. Saying 动手做饭 (dòng shǒu zuò fàn) emphasizes the *physical act* of starting - chopping vegetables, turning on the stove, etc.
It depends. If you mean starting a physical action in a sport, like '动手射门' (start shooting the goal), it could work informally. But generally, 开始 is more common for starting a game or practice.
For starting a debate, you should use 开始 (kāishǐ) or 进行 (jìnxíng). Using 动手 would sound strange, as a debate is primarily intellectual, not a physical action.
Daily life usage includes telling kids to '动手写作业' (start homework), announcing '我来动手吧' (Let me do it/start it) for chores, or warning someone '别动手!' (Don't start fighting!).
Yes, it can be used informally. For example, a player might say '我们动手吧!' (Let's start attacking/acting!) when initiating an action in the game.
A common mistake is using 动手 for abstract concepts like ideas or plans. For instance, saying '动手一个好主意' (start a good idea with hands) is incorrect; you'd use 产生 (produce) or 构思 (conceive) instead.
Verwandte Redewendungen
开始
synonymTo start, to begin
This is the most general word for starting, applicable to both physical and abstract actions, making it a broader alternative to `动手`.
着手
formal versionTo set about, to start work on
`着手` is a more formal and often more deliberate way to begin a task compared to the casual immediacy of `动手`.
开工
related topicTo start work (on a project, construction)
This phrase is specifically related to starting large-scale physical projects like construction, making it a specialized version of `动手` in that context.
动手能力
related topicHands-on ability, practical skills
This noun phrase directly derives from `动手` and describes the skill of performing physical tasks, showing a conceptual link.
动手打
related topicTo start hitting, to begin fighting
This is a specific collocation of `动手` that highlights its aggressive meaning, distinct from its general use for tasks.
停下来
antonymTo stop
This phrase represents the direct opposite action of `动手`, signifying cessation rather than initiation of activity.
