A2 Collocation Neutral 4 min read

调动

diàodòng

To transfer/mobilize

Literally: Adjust/move/deploy

In 15 Seconds

  • Means to transfer people or mobilize resources.
  • Used for planned shifts and sparking energy.
  • Implies strategic management and purposeful action.
  • Avoid for simple, everyday movements.

Meaning

Think of `调动` as getting things moving, whether it's people or energy. It’s about shifting resources, like moving staff to a new department, or igniting enthusiasm, like motivating a team for a big project. It carries a sense of active management and purposeful change.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend about a job change

我被公司`调动`到新的部门了!

I've been transferred to a new department by the company!

2

Manager motivating the team

我们需要`调动`大家的积极性来完成这个项目。

We need to mobilize everyone's enthusiasm to complete this project.

3

Discussing a movie plot

导演巧妙地`调动`了观众的情绪。

The director skillfully manipulated the audience's emotions.

🌍

Cultural Background

The concept of `调动` likely arose from traditional Chinese governance and military strategy, where efficient deployment of personnel and resources was crucial for stability and expansion. It reflects a cultural emphasis on organized effort and strategic planning, moving beyond simple physical relocation to encompass the mobilization of human potential and collective will towards a common objective.

💡

Think 'Strategic Shift'

Whenever you think of `调动`, imagine moving chess pieces. It's not just moving; it's moving with a purpose or strategy.

🎯

Combine with Purpose

Pair `调动` with nouns that show intent, like `积极性` (initiative) or `资源` (resources), for powerful collocations.

In 15 Seconds

  • Means to transfer people or mobilize resources.
  • Used for planned shifts and sparking energy.
  • Implies strategic management and purposeful action.
  • Avoid for simple, everyday movements.

What It Means

调动 is a versatile Chinese word. It means to move something or someone from one place or position to another. This can be physical movement, like relocating an office. It can also be about moving people within an organization. Think of a manager 调动 staff between departments. It also means to mobilize resources or people. This includes getting a team excited for a task. It's about sparking energy and getting everyone on board. The vibe is proactive and strategic. It’s not just random movement; it’s purposeful.

How To Use It

You use 调动 when you want to describe planned movement or activation. Use it for personnel changes within a company. It fits when you need to rally support for an idea. It works for shifting resources to meet a new demand. Think of it as a strategic deployment. You wouldn't use it for everyday, spontaneous actions. It implies a level of authority or planning. It’s often used in contexts of management or organization. It can also apply to abstract things, like emotions or attention.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine a company needs more hands in production. The boss might 调动 employees from sales. A teacher might 调动 students’ interest in history. A director might 调动 all available resources for a film shoot. A political leader might 调动 public opinion. Even your phone might 调动 its battery power efficiently. It’s all about making things happen where they are needed most.

When To Use It

Use 调动 when talking about official transfers of staff. It's perfect for mobilizing a group for a specific goal. You can use it to describe generating enthusiasm or interest. Think of situations requiring active management and direction. It fits when you're describing a strategic shift. For example, a manager might 调动 funds for a new project. Or a coach might 调动 players for a winning strategy. It’s about making things happen with intent.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use 调动 for simple, everyday movements. If you're just walking across the room, you don't 调动 yourself. It's too formal for casual, spontaneous actions. Don't use it for personal feelings unless you're describing influencing others. For instance, you wouldn't say you 调动 your own happiness. That sounds a bit robotic! Avoid it for natural processes like water flowing. It implies human agency and planning. It’s not for things that just happen on their own.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 调动 with simpler movement words. They might use it when (to walk) or (to move things) is more appropriate. Another mistake is using it for internal emotional states. You don't 'mobilize' your own feelings. It’s about directing or influencing things, not just experiencing them.

I 调动 to the kitchen. I to the kitchen.
She 调动 her sadness. She 感到 sad.

Similar Expressions

  • 搬动 (bān dòng): Primarily means to physically move an object. It's about lifting and shifting, less about strategy.
  • 移动 (yí dòng): General term for movement or to move. More neutral and less about planned deployment.
  • 调任 (diào rèn): Specifically means to transfer someone to a different post or job. More formal and specific to job assignments.
  • 动员 (dòng yuán): Means to mobilize, often used for large-scale efforts like a campaign or war. Stronger sense of rallying.

Common Variations

  • 调动工作 (diào dòng gōng zuò): To transfer to a new job or post.
  • 调动人员 (diào dòng rén yuán): To mobilize or transfer personnel.
  • 调动积极性 (diào dòng jī jí xìng): To arouse enthusiasm or initiative.
  • 调动一切力量 (diào dòng yī qiè lì liàng): To mobilize all forces/resources.

Memory Trick

💡

Picture a chess grandmaster. They 调动 their pieces across the board. Each move is strategic, shifting power. Now imagine a conductor leading an orchestra. They 调动 the musicians' energy. They bring the music to life! 调动 is about strategic shifts and sparking energy. Think chess moves and concert crescendos!

Quick FAQ

Q. Is 调动 formal?

A. It can be used in formal settings like job transfers. But it's also common in everyday speech for motivating people. Its formality depends on the context. Q: Can I use it for objects?

Usage Notes

Use `调动` for planned transfers of personnel or the strategic mobilization of resources or enthusiasm. It carries a sense of authority and purpose. Avoid using it for simple, everyday movements or personal feelings, where more common verbs like `走`, `搬`, or `感到` are appropriate.

💡

Think 'Strategic Shift'

Whenever you think of `调动`, imagine moving chess pieces. It's not just moving; it's moving with a purpose or strategy.

🎯

Combine with Purpose

Pair `调动` with nouns that show intent, like `积极性` (initiative) or `资源` (resources), for powerful collocations.

⚠️

Avoid the 'Robot Voice' Trap!

Don't use `调动` for simple, everyday actions like walking or personal feelings. It sounds unnatural, like a robot trying to feel emotions!

💬

Rooted in Organization

The word reflects a cultural value placed on effective organization and management, common in traditional Chinese society and business.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend about a job change

我被公司`调动`到新的部门了!

I've been transferred to a new department by the company!

Shows a common use for job transfers within an organization.

#2 Manager motivating the team

我们需要`调动`大家的积极性来完成这个项目。

We need to mobilize everyone's enthusiasm to complete this project.

Highlights the 'sparking energy' aspect of `调动`.

#3 Discussing a movie plot

导演巧妙地`调动`了观众的情绪。

The director skillfully manipulated the audience's emotions.

Illustrates `调动` used for abstract things like emotions.

#4 Instagram caption about a new role

新的开始!很高兴被`调动`到市场部担任新职位。

New beginnings! Very happy to be transferred to the marketing department for a new role.

A modern social media usage for a job transfer.

#5 Vlogger talking about travel logistics

为了赶飞机,我们不得不`调动`了所有可能的交通方式。

To catch the flight, we had to mobilize all possible means of transport.

Shows `调动` for resources/logistics in a travel context.

#6 Job interview on Zoom

在上一份工作中,我曾负责`调动`跨部门团队合作。

In my previous job, I was responsible for mobilizing cross-departmental teamwork.

Professional context, emphasizing coordination and mobilization.

Mistake: Using `调动` for simple movement Common Mistake

✗ 我想把桌子`调动`到角落。

✗ I want to mobilize the table to the corner.

Incorrect use. `搬` (move) is better for furniture.

Mistake: Using `调动` for internal feelings Common Mistake

✗ 他努力`调动`自己的快乐。

✗ He tried hard to mobilize his happiness.

Incorrect use. `表现` (show) or `感到` (feel) is more natural.

#9 Humorous: Describing a cat's antics

我家猫咪总能在半夜`调动`出惊人的能量到处乱跑。

My cat can always mobilize amazing energy in the middle of the night to run around everywhere.

Funny exaggeration, using `调动` for a cat's energy.

#10 Emotional: Encouraging a friend

别灰心,我们要一起`调动`起所有勇气来面对挑战。

Don't be discouraged, we must mobilize all our courage together to face the challenge.

Emotional use, focusing on rallying inner strength.

#11 Ordering food delivery

这个APP能`调动`附近所有餐厅的信息。

This app can mobilize information from all nearby restaurants.

Shows `调动` in a modern tech context, meaning to bring forth or access data.

#12 Discussing a historical event

那次战役,指挥官`调动`了大量的兵力。

In that battle, the commander mobilized a large number of troops.

Classic usage for military mobilization.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct word.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 调动

`调动` is used here for transferring personnel within a company.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`调动` is not the best fit for 'attracting attention'. `引起` (attract/arouse) is more natural here.

Choose the sentence that uses `调动` correctly.

Which sentence uses `调动` correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Option B correctly uses `调动` to mean 'arouse/stimulate' interest. Option A is incorrect (should be `拿下来`), C is incorrect (should be `去`), and D is awkward (better `提高` or `优化`).

Translate this sentence into Chinese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`调动` fits perfectly for mobilizing resources in a crisis situation.

Fill in the blank with the correct word.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 调动

`调动` implies actively bringing about cooperation or coordinating efforts.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`调动` implies moving something external. For gaining support, `获得` (obtain) or `争取到` (win) is more appropriate.

Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This is a common collocation: `调动` + object + `的` + noun.

Choose the sentence that uses `调动` correctly.

Which sentence uses `调动` correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Option B is correct, referring to transferring cadres. A is wrong (should be `花了`), C is wrong (should be `去`), D is wrong (should be `吸引` or `打动`).

Translate this sentence into Chinese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`调动` works well for bringing together and assigning roles to a group.

Fill in the blank.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 调动

`调动` implies bringing resources into readiness or deploying them for use.

Match the phrases with their meanings.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

These common phrases show the diverse applications of `调动`.

Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This phrase means 'mobilize all forces/strength', a common expression.

🎉 Score: /12

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum of `调动`

Very Informal

Rarely used in extremely casual slang contexts.

Not applicable

Informal

Can be used casually, especially when talking about motivating friends or family.

我们得`调动`一下气氛!(We need to liven up the atmosphere!)

Neutral

Standard usage in everyday conversations and general writing.

他被`调动`到上海分公司了。(He was transferred to the Shanghai branch.)

Formal

Common in business, official announcements, and strategic planning.

公司决定`调动`更多资源支持新项目。(The company decided to deploy more resources to support the new project.)

Situations Where `调动` is Used

`调动` (To Transfer / Mobilize)
🏢

Job Transfers

他被`调动`到北京工作。

🚀

Motivating Teams

我们需要`调动`大家的积极性。

💰

Resource Allocation

`调动`资金支持研发。

🚨

Military/Emergency

`调动`军队应对危机。

📣

Influencing Opinions

`调动`公众舆论。

⚙️

Logistics/Operations

`调动`设备到新厂区。

Comparing `调动` with Similar Words

`调动`
调动 Transfer/Mobilize (strategic)
`移动`
移动 Move (general, physical)
`搬动`
搬动 Move/Carry (physical object)
`动员`
动员 Mobilize (large scale, rally)

Usage Categories of `调动`

🧑‍💼

Personnel

  • 调动员工 (Transfer staff)
  • 调动干部 (Transfer cadres)
📦

Resources

  • 调动物资 (Mobilize supplies)
  • 调动资金 (Deploy funds)
💡

Abstract Concepts

  • 调动积极性 (Arouse initiative)
  • 调动情绪 (Influence emotions)
💪

Actions/Efforts

  • 调动力量 (Mobilize strength)
  • 调动资源 (Deploy resources)

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct word. Fill Blank beginner

经理决定将小王从销售部`___`到市场部。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 调动

`调动` is used here for transferring personnel within a company.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

我们需要`调动`大家的注意,来听这个重要消息。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我们需要`引起`大家的注意,来听这个重要消息。

`调动` is not the best fit for 'attracting attention'. `引起` (attract/arouse) is more natural here.

Choose the sentence that uses `调动` correctly. Choose intermediate

Which sentence uses `调动` correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Option B correctly uses `调动` to mean 'arouse/stimulate' interest. Option A is incorrect (should be `拿下来`), C is incorrect (should be `去`), and D is awkward (better `提高` or `优化`).

Translate this sentence into Chinese. Translate advanced

The government mobilized all available resources to combat the flood.

Hints: Think about 'mobilize' in a large-scale context., Consider the word for 'resources'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 政府`调动`了所有可用资源来抗击洪水。

`调动` fits perfectly for mobilizing resources in a crisis situation.

Fill in the blank with the correct word. Fill Blank beginner

为了完成这个紧急任务,我们必须`___`所有部门的合作。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 调动

`调动` implies actively bringing about cooperation or coordinating efforts.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

他成功地`调动`了他的家人的支持。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他成功地`获得了` / `争取到了` 他家人的支持。

`调动` implies moving something external. For gaining support, `获得` (obtain) or `争取到` (win) is more appropriate.

Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence. Reorder beginner

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 调动大家的积极性。

This is a common collocation: `调动` + object + `的` + noun.

Choose the sentence that uses `调动` correctly. Choose intermediate

Which sentence uses `调动` correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: B

Option B is correct, referring to transferring cadres. A is wrong (should be `花了`), C is wrong (should be `去`), D is wrong (should be `吸引` or `打动`).

Translate this sentence into Chinese. Translate advanced

The director needs to mobilize the entire crew for the final scene.

Hints: Think about 'crew' and 'final scene'., `调动` can mean to deploy or rally people.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 导演需要`调动`全体剧组人员来拍摄最后一场戏。

`调动` works well for bringing together and assigning roles to a group.

Fill in the blank. Fill Blank intermediate

为了应对突发情况,公司`___`了所有应急物资。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 调动

`调动` implies bringing resources into readiness or deploying them for use.

Match the phrases with their meanings. Match intermediate

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

These common phrases show the diverse applications of `调动`.

Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence. Reorder advanced

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 调动了一切力量。

This phrase means 'mobilize all forces/strength', a common expression.

🎉 Score: /12

Frequently Asked Questions

18 questions

移动 is a general term for movement, like a phone moving across a table or a person walking. 调动, on the other hand, implies a more planned, strategic, or managerial action, often involving people or resources being purposefully shifted or activated.

Yes, it can be used for inanimate objects, but usually in a context of management or strategy. For example, you might 调动 equipment to a new site. However, for simply moving an object from point A to point B, words like or 移动 are more common.

调动 is quite versatile. It can be used in formal business contexts, like transferring employees (调动人员), but also in more neutral or slightly informal situations, like motivating a group (调动积极性). Its formality depends heavily on the surrounding words and the situation.

When used with people, 调动 typically means to transfer them to a different position, department, or location. It's often used in official contexts like job changes within a company or assignments within an organization.

You often use it with abstract nouns related to effort or feeling, like 积极性 (enthusiasm/initiative) or 情绪 (emotions). The phrase 调动积极性 is very common and means to arouse or stimulate someone's enthusiasm for a task.

Yes, very common ones include 调动工作 (transfer to a new job), 调动人员 (mobilize personnel), 调动积极性 (arouse enthusiasm), and 调动一切力量 (mobilize all forces). These fixed expressions are great to learn.

动员 usually implies a larger-scale mobilization, often for a specific campaign, event, or even military action. It has a stronger sense of rallying people together. 调动 is broader and can apply to smaller transfers or more subtle activation of energy or resources.

Yes, but usually when you are trying to influence *someone else's* emotions, not your own. For example, a speaker might try to 调动 the audience's feelings. Saying you 调动 your own sadness sounds strange; you would typically 感到 (feel) sad.

Using 调动 for simple physical movement, like moving a chair, sounds very unnatural and overly formal, almost comical. Native speakers would use simpler words like (bān) or 移动 (yí dòng). It’s like using a military term for tidying your desk!

The core meaning of 调动 is quite standard across Mandarin-speaking regions. While specific collocations or nuances might slightly vary, the primary uses for transferring personnel and mobilizing resources or enthusiasm are widely understood.

调动 strongly relates to 'deployment', especially when talking about resources, personnel, or even troops. It signifies placing them where they are needed or activating them for a specific purpose, highlighting the strategic aspect.

Potentially, yes! If a game involves strategic troop movement or resource management, 调动 could be used. For instance, describing how a player 调动 their units to capture a point. It fits the strategic and management aspects of gaming.

调任 specifically refers to the transfer of a person to a different official post or job, often implying a promotion or a change in responsibility. 调动 is broader; it can include 调任 but also covers moving resources, people without formal job changes, or even abstract things like enthusiasm.

Absolutely! Marketers might use 调动 to describe how they 调动 resources for a campaign, 调动 consumer interest, or even 调动 influencers to promote a product. It fits the active, strategic nature of marketing efforts.

A common mistake is using it when someone is just moving location for personal reasons, not as part of an organizational plan. For example, saying 'I 调动 to my new apartment' is wrong; you'd say (move) or 搬家 (move house).

While the character (diào) itself can mean adjust, in the compound 调动, the meaning leans more towards moving, transferring, or mobilizing. For 'adjust', words like 调整 (tiáo zhěng) are generally preferred.

In finance, 调动 means to move or deploy funds. For example, a company might 调动 internal funds to invest in a new project, or a government might 调动 budgets to address emergencies. It implies purposeful financial reallocation.

There isn't one single perfect antonym. Depending on the context, the opposite could be 保留 (retain), 固定 (fix in place), 静止 (stagnant), or 撤销 (cancel/revoke) a mobilization. For personnel transfers, the opposite might be keeping someone in their current role.

Related Phrases

🔗

移动

related topic

To move (general)

Both words involve movement, but `移动` is general physical movement, while `调动` implies strategic transfer or mobilization.

🔗

搬动

related topic

To move/carry (physical object)

`搬动` focuses specifically on the physical act of lifting and moving objects, whereas `调动` is broader and often involves people or abstract concepts.

👔

调任

formal version

To transfer to a different post/job

`调任` is a more specific and formal term for transferring personnel, often used in official or bureaucratic contexts, whereas `调动` is more general.

🔗

动员

related topic

To mobilize (large scale, rally)

Both mean mobilize, but `动员` usually refers to rallying large groups for a specific cause or effort, carrying a stronger sense of urgency or scale than `调动`.

🔗

调配

related topic

To allocate/assign (resources, personnel)

`调配` focuses on the careful distribution and assignment of resources or people according to needs, similar to `调动` but with an emphasis on equitable distribution.

🔗

安排

related topic

To arrange/plan

While `安排` is about planning and organizing, `调动` specifically refers to the action of moving or activating people/resources according to that plan.

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