This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 adjective 9 min read

机动

jīdòng

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 机动 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 机动 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know '机动' in one specific context: traffic. You will see it on road signs in China. The most important word is '机动车' (jīdòngchē), which means 'motor vehicle' (like a car or bus). If you see a sign that says '机动车', it's talking about cars. If it says '非机动车' (fēi jīdòngchē), it means things without motors, like bicycles. You don't need to use this word in your own speaking yet, but recognizing it on a street sign will help you stay safe and know where to walk or ride your bike. Just remember: 机动 = motor/engine. Also, be careful not to confuse the sound with 'excited' (激动), which sounds exactly the same!

At the A2 level, you can start to understand that '机动' means 'motorized.' You might see it in simple sentences about transportation. For example, '这是机动车道' (This is a motor vehicle lane). You are learning about different types of vehicles, so knowing the difference between a '机动车' (car, truck) and a '非机动车' (bicycle) is useful. You might also hear it in very basic military or action contexts in cartoons or movies, where '机动' means 'moving' or 'mobile.' At this stage, just focus on the 'motor' and 'moving' meanings. If you hear someone say 'jīdòng,' check if they are talking about a car or if they look really 'excited' (激动)—this is a common point of confusion for beginners.

At the B1 level, you should begin to see the 'flexible' side of '机动.' While you still use it for 'motor vehicles' (机动车), you will start encountering it in work or school contexts. For example, a teacher might say we have some '机动时间' (jīdòng shíjiān). This doesn't mean 'motorized time'; it means 'flexible time' or 'buffer time.' It's time that isn't planned for a specific task, so you can use it for whatever is needed. You should also recognize '机动性' (jīdòngxìng), which means 'mobility' or 'flexibility.' This is a great word to use when describing a plan that isn't too strict. You are moving beyond just 'cars' and starting to use the word to describe how systems and schedules work.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '机动' fluently in its 'flexible' and 'strategic' senses. You should understand phrases like '机动名额' (flexible quotas) and '机动人员' (reserve staff). In business or formal writing, '机动' is a precise way to describe adaptability. For instance, '我们的方案非常机动' (Our proposal is very flexible/adaptable). You should also be able to distinguish '机动' from its synonyms like '灵活' (línghuó) or '弹性' (tánxìng). '机动' often implies a tactical reserve or a buffer within a structured system. You should also be comfortable with its military meaning of 'maneuver' or 'mobile' in news reports. At this level, you must never confuse '机动' with '激动' (excited) in your writing, as the characters are very different even though the pinyin is the same.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '机动' should include its administrative and legal nuances. You might read about '机动地' (flexible land) in rural policy or '机动财力' (discretionary financial resources) in economic reports. You understand that '机动' represents a sophisticated concept of 'preparedness through flexibility.' It’s not just about being 'loose' with plans; it's about having a calculated reserve that allows for quick response to changes. You can use '机动' to discuss strategic management, logistics, and complex scheduling. You are also aware of its use in classic literature or specialized fields like mechanical engineering or advanced tactics. Your usage should reflect the word's formal and somewhat technical tone.

At the C2 level, you master the full semantic range of '机动,' including its most abstract and metaphorical applications. You can appreciate how the word functions in high-level political discourse, such as discussing '机动权' (the power of discretionary action) in international relations or legal frameworks. You understand the historical evolution of the term from its roots in the industrial 'machine' era to its current role in describing agile systems. You can use it with precision to describe the 'maneuverability' of abstract concepts like market forces or philosophical arguments. Your command of the word allows you to use it in creative writing or complex professional debates, perfectly balancing its mechanical origins with its modern strategic implications.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

机动 in 30 Seconds

机动 (jīdòng) primarily means 'motorized' in the context of vehicles (机动车) and 'flexible' or 'mobile' in the context of planning and strategy.
It is a B2-level word that is essential for understanding Chinese traffic laws, military reports, and professional scheduling or resource management.
A common mistake is confusing it with the homophone 激动 (excited), which sounds the same but has a completely different meaning and character.
In administrative terms, it often refers to 'reserves' or 'contingencies,' such as flexible quotas (机动名额) or flexible time (机动时间).

The Chinese term 机动 (jīdòng) is a versatile adjective that bridges the gap between mechanical engineering and abstract organizational flexibility. At its core, the word is composed of two characters: 机 (jī), meaning 'machine' or 'mechanism,' and 动 (dòng), meaning 'to move' or 'action.' When combined, they originally described the self-propelled nature of machinery. However, in modern Mandarin, its usage has bifurcated into two distinct but related spheres: the physical world of motorized transport and the conceptual world of adaptable planning.

Mechanical Definition: In a technical context, it refers to anything powered by a motor or engine. This is most commonly seen in the term 机动车 (jīdòngchē), which is the standard legal term for 'motor vehicle.' Whether it is a car, a motorcycle, or a bus, if it has an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, it is classified as '机动' in the eyes of the law.

这条路禁止非机动车辆通行。
(This road prohibits non-motorized vehicles from passing.)

Abstract Definition: Metaphorically, '机动' describes something that is not fixed or rigid. Just as a motorized vehicle can change direction quickly, a '机动' plan or person is flexible and can adapt to changing circumstances. You will often hear this in professional settings regarding '机动时间' (flexible time/buffer time) or '机动人员' (on-call or reserve staff).

In military terminology, '机动' is also the standard word for 'maneuver' or 'mobile.' A 机动部队 (jīdòng bùduì) is a mobile unit capable of rapid deployment. This reinforces the idea of being ready to move and adapt at a moment's notice. Understanding this word requires recognizing whether the speaker is discussing traffic laws or logistics and scheduling. In the HSK and CEFR B2 levels, the focus shifts from the simple 'motor' definition to the more nuanced 'flexible' application, which is crucial for business and academic communication.

我们的计划很机动，可以根据天气调整。
(Our plan is very flexible; we can adjust it based on the weather.)

When you use '机动,' you are implying that there is a reserve of power or time that can be deployed if necessary. It is not just 'flexible' (which could be 灵活 línghuó), but rather 'adaptable within a system.' For instance, '机动名额' refers to flexible quotas in an enrollment system that are held back for special circumstances. This nuance is what makes '机动' a powerful word in the Chinese vocabulary of administration and management.

Using 机动 (jīdòng) correctly depends heavily on the noun it modifies. It is most frequently used as an attributive adjective (placed directly before a noun) or as a predicative adjective (following a subject and a linking verb like '很' or '非常').

As a Technical Modifier: When preceding nouns related to transportation, it specifies the source of power. Common pairings include 机动车 (motor vehicle) and 机动船 (motorized boat). In these cases, it is a formal, categorizing term rather than a descriptive one.

请在机动车道内行驶。
(Please drive within the motorized vehicle lane.)

Describing Flexibility: When applied to time, personnel, or quotas, it suggests a buffer or a degree of freedom. If a manager says, '我们要留出两小时的机动时间,' they are saying those two hours are not pre-assigned and can be used for whatever arises.

处理突发事件需要一定的机动性。
(Handling emergencies requires a certain degree of maneuverability/flexibility.)

In formal reports or news broadcasts, you will see '机动' used to describe the strategic movement of forces or resources. For example, '机动部署' (mobile deployment) refers to the act of positioning assets so they can be moved quickly. In daily life, if you are planning a trip, you might say, '行程安排得很机动' (The itinerary is arranged very flexibly), meaning you haven't booked every single minute and can change plans if you find a cool museum or if it starts to rain. This usage is very common in B2-level business Chinese, where '机动性' (flexibility/mobility) is a highly valued trait in project management.

这支部队具有极强的机动作战能力。
(This unit has extremely strong mobile combat capabilities.)

Common Collocations

机动费 (jīdòngfèi): Contingency funds.
机动粮 (jīdòngliáng): Reserve grain.
机动权 (jīdòngquán): Discretionary power / power to act as one sees fit.

In mainland China, 机动 (jīdòng) is a word you will encounter daily, though you might not always notice it until you look for it. Its presence spans from the very ground you walk on to the high-level meetings of the government.

On the Street: Every major road in China has signs for 机动车道 (motor vehicle lane) and 非机动车道 (non-motor vehicle lane). If you are riding a bicycle or an electric scooter, you are technically in the 'non-motorized' category. Traffic police often use the term '机动' when discussing traffic flow and vehicle regulations.

前方施工，请机动车绕行。
(Construction ahead; motor vehicles please detours.)

In the Office: During project planning, a manager might say, '我们手头还有一些机动名额' (We still have some flexible slots/quotas). This is common in recruitment, school admissions, or event ticketing. It implies that these spots are reserved for 'just in case' scenarios or for people who don't fit the standard criteria but are otherwise qualified.

Another frequent hearing is in the phrase 机动性 (jīdòngxìng). In tech reviews, especially for laptops or gadgets, reviewers might praise the '机动性' of a device, though '便携性' (portability) is more common for size. In sports, a '机动' player is one who moves across the field fluidly, not staying in one fixed position. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the term 机动核酸检测车 (mobile nucleic acid testing vehicle) became a household term, showcasing the 'mobile' aspect of the word perfectly.

这个计划留有很大的机动余地。
(This plan leaves a lot of room for maneuver/flexibility.)

Finally, in rural China, '机动地' (flexible land) refers to a small portion of collective land held back during the distribution process to accommodate future population changes (like new births or marriages in the village). This demonstrates how deeply the concept of 'held-in-reserve flexibility' is embedded in Chinese administrative culture.

The most significant pitfall for learners of Chinese when encountering 机动 (jīdòng) is not the word itself, but its identical-sounding twin: 激动 (jīdòng). Both are pronounced with the same tones and syllables, but their meanings are worlds apart.

Mistake 1: The Homophone Trap: Learners often confuse 机动 (jīdòng - flexible/motorized) with 激动 (jīdòng - excited/emotional). If you say '我很机动' (Wǒ hěn jīdòng), you are literally saying 'I am very motorized' or 'I am very flexible (like a schedule),' which sounds bizarre. You almost certainly mean '我很激动' (I am very excited).

Correct: 听到这个消息，他很激动 (excited).
Incorrect: 听到这个消息，他很机动 (flexible/motorized).

Mistake 2: Misusing 'Flexible': While '机动' means flexible, it is not a direct substitute for 灵活 (línghuó). '灵活' is used for people's minds, physical agility, or general adaptability. '机动' is specifically for plans, resources, or mechanical movement. You can have a '灵活的手指' (flexible fingers) but not '机动的手指' unless they are robotic.

Another mistake involves the word 机动车 (jīdòngchē). Some learners assume this includes bicycles because they are 'machines' you 'move.' However, in Chinese law, '机动' strictly implies an engine. Bicycles and even some low-power electric bikes are categorized as 非机动车 (non-motorized vehicles). Using '机动' to describe a manual bicycle will lead to confusion in a legal or insurance context.

Don't say: 他的思维很机动。
Say: 他的思维很灵活。
(His thinking is very flexible/quick.)

Lastly, avoid using '机动' as a verb. It is almost exclusively an adjective or a noun modifier. You cannot '机动' a plan; you can '灵活安排' (flexibly arrange) a plan or say the plan is '机动的.' Understanding these boundaries will help you sound much more natural in professional Mandarin.

To truly master 机动 (jīdòng), one must understand how it compares to other words that translate as 'flexible,' 'mobile,' or 'moving.' Chinese has a rich set of synonyms, each with its own specific 'flavor' and context.

机动 vs. 灵活 (línghuó): 机动: Focuses on systemic flexibility, reserves, or mechanical power. It often implies a 'spare' or 'buffer' (e.g., 机动时间).
灵活: Focuses on cleverness, agility, and the ability to change quickly and skillfully. It is the preferred word for describing a person's personality or physical grace.

Comparison:
1. 灵活的处理方式 (A clever/flexible way of handling things).
2. 机动的处理时间 (Flexible/buffer time for handling things).

机动 vs. 移动 (yídòng): 机动: Implies the *capability* or *power* to move, often for a strategic purpose (like a mobile unit).
移动: Simply refers to the act of moving from point A to point B. For example, '移动电话' (mobile phone) or '移动家具' (moving furniture). It doesn't carry the connotation of 'flexibility' or 'motorization' in the same way.

Other alternatives include 变通 (biàntōng), which means to be flexible by breaking rules or finding a workaround, and 弹性 (tánxìng), which literally means 'elasticity.' '弹性' is very common in business to describe '弹性工作制' (flexible working hours). While '机动时间' and '弹性时间' are similar, '机动' feels more like a tactical reserve, whereas '弹性' feels more like a general property of the schedule.

弹性 vs 机动:
这个规定很有弹性 (This rule is very elastic/flexible).
我们有机动名额 (We have flexible/reserve spots).

In summary, choose '机动' when you want to sound professional, strategic, or when referring to motorized transport. Use '灵活' for general agility, '移动' for physical movement, and '弹性' for policy or time flexibility.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word '机动' is used in the title of the famous anime series 'Mobile Suit Gundam' in Chinese: 《机动战士高达》 (Jīdòng Zhànshì Gāodá).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒiː dʊŋ/

US /dʒiː dʊŋ/

Primary stress on the second syllable 'dòng' in general speech, but 'jī' is held longer.

Rhymes With

中 (zhōng) 东 (dōng) 空 (kōng) 通 (tōng) 重 (zhòng) 动 (dòng) 用 (yòng) 送 (sòng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jī' with a rising tone (like 'jí'), which changes the meaning.
Confusing the pinyin with 'jìdòng' (no such word).
Failing to distinguish it from '激动' (excited) in context, despite identical pronunciation.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is common in signs and news, but the character '机' is basic while '动' is intermediate.

Writing 4/5

Requires distinguishing from the homophone '激动'.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but must ensure context is clear to avoid confusion with 'excited'.

Listening 5/5

Very hard to distinguish from '激动' (excited) without context clues.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

机器运动车时间灵活

Learn Next

弹性变通部署策略动力

Advanced

战略机动机动处置权非机动车道机动财力

Grammar to Know

Attributive Adjectives

机动 (Adj) + 车 (Noun) = Motor vehicle.

Predicative Adjectives with '很'

计划 (Subject) + 很 (Adverb) + 机动 (Adj) = The plan is flexible.

Negation with '非'

非 (Not) + 机动车 = Non-motorized vehicle.

Nominalization with '性'

机动 (Adj) + 性 (Suffix) = Mobility/Flexibility (Noun).

Resultative Compounds (related)

动 (Move) is often a resultative complement, but here it is a root.

Examples by Level

那是机动车。

That is a motor vehicle.

机动车 is a single noun phrase.

机动车道在那儿。

The motor vehicle lane is over there.

机动车道 = motor + vehicle + lane.

这不是机动车。

This is not a motor vehicle.

Negation with 不是.

请看机动车信号灯。

Please look at the motor vehicle traffic light.

Formal request with 请.

机动车很多。

There are many motor vehicles.

Adjective phrase with 很多.

这里停着机动车。

A motor vehicle is parked here.

Showing existence with 停着.

机动车很快。

Motor vehicles are very fast.

Simple subject-adjective sentence.

我没有机动车。

I don't have a motor vehicle.

Possession with 没有.

自行车是非机动车。

Bicycles are non-motorized vehicles.

非 means 'non-' or 'not'.

他开着一辆机动船。

He is driving a motorized boat.

机动 modifying 船 (boat).

机动车不能进这个公园。

Motor vehicles cannot enter this park.

Modal verb 不能 (cannot).

这种机动工具很方便。

This kind of motorized tool is very convenient.

机动 modifying 工具 (tool).

机动车需要加油。

Motor vehicles need to refuel.

Verb 需要 (need).

请靠右边行驶，让开机动车道。

Please drive on the right and clear the motor vehicle lane.

Compound sentence with two clauses.

这辆机动车很旧了。

This motor vehicle is very old.

了 indicating a state.

机动车司机的责任很大。

The responsibility of a motor vehicle driver is great.

Possessive marker 的.

我们要留出一小时的机动时间。

We need to set aside one hour of flexible time.

机动 used here as 'flexible/buffer'.

这个计划很机动，可以随时改。

This plan is very flexible; it can be changed at any time.

机动 as a predicative adjective.

会议安排了一些机动项目。

The meeting arranged some flexible items.

机动 modifying 项目 (items/projects).

他是一名机动人员，哪里需要去哪里。

He is a flexible staff member; he goes wherever he is needed.

机动人员 means reserve or on-call staff.

这台机器的机动性能很好。

This machine's mobility performance is very good.

机动性能 = mobility/maneuverability.

我们需要更机动的方法来解决问题。

We need a more flexible method to solve the problem.

Comparative 更 (more).

学校还有几个机动名额。

The school still has a few flexible enrollment spots.

机动名额 = flexible/reserve quota.

这种小车具有很强的机动性。

This small car has strong maneuverability.

Noun 机动性 (mobility/flexibility).

为了应对突发情况，必须保留机动力量。

In order to deal with emergencies, mobile forces must be retained.

机动力量 = mobile forces or reserve power.

行程安排要机动，不要太死板。

The itinerary should be flexible, not too rigid.

Contrast between 机动 and 死板 (rigid).

公司的机动费主要用于意外支出。

The company's contingency funds are mainly used for unexpected expenses.

机动费 = contingency/flexible funds.

在战场上，机动权决定了胜负。

On the battlefield, the power of maneuver decides victory or defeat.

机动权 = right/power of maneuver.

这些机动指标可以根据实际需要进行调整。

These flexible indicators can be adjusted according to actual needs.

机动指标 = flexible indicators/targets.

该部队通过快速机动，成功包围了敌人。

The unit successfully surrounded the enemy through rapid maneuver.

机动 used as a noun meaning 'maneuver'.

这种设计增强了设备的机动部署能力。

This design enhances the device's mobile deployment capability.

Complex noun phrase: 机动 + 部署 + 能力.

处理这类复杂问题，必须保持思维的机动性。

When dealing with such complex problems, one must maintain mental flexibility.

Formal usage of 机动性.

该政策留有一定的机动余地，以适应不同地区的差异。

The policy leaves a certain amount of room for maneuver to adapt to regional differences.

机动余地 = room for maneuver/leeway.

村集体保留了部分机动地，用于日后人口变动时的分配。

The village collective retained part of the flexible land for distribution during future population changes.

机动地 is a specific land-use term in China.

在宏观调控中，政府需要掌握一定的机动财力。

In macro-control, the government needs to hold certain discretionary financial resources.

机动财力 = discretionary/flexible financial power.

这种灵活机动的战术让对手防不胜防。

This flexible and maneuverable tactic made it impossible for the opponent to defend against.

灵活机动 is a common four-character set phrase.

我们应当赋予基层部门更多的机动处置权。

We should grant grassroots departments more discretionary power to handle matters.

机动处置权 = discretionary handling power.

现代战争强调以机动制敌，而非单纯的阵地防守。

Modern warfare emphasizes defeating the enemy through maneuver rather than simple positional defense.

以...制... structure (using A to control/defeat B).

这种架构保证了系统在极端负载下的机动响应能力。

This architecture ensures the system's flexible response capability under extreme load.

Technical usage in IT/engineering.

他利用机动名额，解决了一些特殊背景学生的入学问题。

He used flexible quotas to solve the enrollment issues of some students with special backgrounds.

Implicitly refers to administrative flexibility.

全球供应链的韧性在很大程度上取决于其逻辑上的机动深度。

The resilience of global supply chains largely depends on their logical maneuver depth.

机动深度 is an abstract strategic term.

这种外交策略体现了在原则性基础上的高度机动性。

This diplomatic strategy embodies a high degree of flexibility on a principled basis.

Abstract pairing of principle and flexibility.

量子力学中的某些现象，可以类比为微观粒子的某种‘机动’行为。

Certain phenomena in quantum mechanics can be analogized as a kind of 'maneuver' behavior of microscopic particles.

Metaphorical use in scientific discourse.

在资本运作中，保持资金的机动状态至关重要。

In capital operations, maintaining a mobile state of funds is crucial.

机动状态 = state of mobility/liquidity.

该哲学论点通过概念的不断机动，成功规避了逻辑陷阱。

The philosophical argument successfully avoided logical traps through the constant maneuvering of concepts.

Highly abstract use of 'maneuver'.

统筹兼顾与灵活机动是治理大型社会系统的核心艺术。

Overall planning and flexible maneuverability are the core arts of governing large social systems.

Formal political/philosophical statement.

他那种机动而不失稳重的指挥风格，赢得了全军的尊重。

His command style, which was flexible yet steady, won the respect of the entire army.

Describing a professional style/personality trait.

法律的生命力在于其对社会变迁的机动适应能力。

The vitality of law lies in its mobile adaptability to social changes.

Personification of law using 'adaptability'.

Common Collocations

机动车

机动时间

机动性

机动名额

灵活机动

机动力量

非机动车

机动费

机动处置

机动部署

Common Phrases

机动车道

— The lane specifically for motorized vehicles. You see this on every street sign.

行人请勿进入机动车道。

机动人员

— Staff members who are not assigned to one fixed task but can move where needed.

他是我们组的机动人员。

机动地

— Flexible land; land reserved for future needs in rural areas.

这块机动地暂时不分配。

机动权

— The power to act or decide flexibly based on the situation.

经理给了我很大的机动权。

机动粮

— Reserve grain held back for emergencies or future needs.

这些是村里的机动粮。

机动指标

— Flexible targets or quotas that can be adjusted.

我们要利用好这些机动指标。

快速机动

— To move or maneuver very quickly, often used in military or logistics.

部队实现了快速机动。

机动余地

— Room for maneuver; leeway; flexibility in a situation.

合同里留了一些机动余地。

非机动车

— Non-motorized vehicles, such as bicycles and carts.

非机动车请走辅路。

机动方案

— A flexible plan or a backup plan that can be adjusted.

我们准备了两个机动方案。

Often Confused With

机动 vs 激动 (jīdòng)

Exact homophone. Means 'excited' or 'agitated.' This is the most common confusion.

机动 vs 灵活 (línghuó)

Both mean 'flexible,' but 灵活 is for agility/cleverness, while 机动 is for systems/motors.

机动 vs 弹性 (tánxìng)

Both mean 'flexible,' but 弹性 refers to 'elasticity' or policy range.

Idioms & Expressions

"灵活机动"

— To be highly flexible and adaptable in one's actions or tactics.

在谈判中要灵活机动。

Neutral

"机动灵活"

— Same as above, emphasizing the mobile and adaptable nature.

他的指挥机动灵活。

Neutral

"随机应变"

— To change one's plan according to the situation (related concept).

遇到困难要随机应变。

Idiomatic

"见机行事"

— To act according to the circumstances (related concept).

你先去看看，然后见机行事。

Idiomatic

"进退有据"

— To have a basis for both advancing and retreating (related to strategic maneuver).

我们的计划进退有据。

Formal

"游刃有余"

— To handle a situation with ease and flexibility.

他在这个岗位上游刃有余。

Idiomatic

"因地制宜"

— To act according to local conditions (related to being flexible).

政策要因地制宜。

Formal

"通权达变"

— To be adaptable and flexible in following principles/rules.

做大事的人要通权达变。

Literary

"兵无常势"

— In war, there are no fixed positions (emphasizing the need for maneuver).

兵无常势，水无常形。

Classical/Military

"看风使舵"

— To steer according to the wind; to be flexible (sometimes derogatory).

他这个人最会看风使舵。

Informal

Easily Confused

机动 vs 机动 (jīdòng)

Homophone with 激动.

机动 (Machine+Move) is motorized/flexible; 激动 (Surge+Move) is excited.

他很激动 (He is excited). / 他很机动 (He is mobile/flexible - rare for a person).

机动 vs 灵活 (línghuó)

Both translate as 'flexible.'

灵活 is general agility; 机动 is tactical flexibility or motorized power.

灵活的头脑 (Flexible mind). / 机动的时间 (Flexible time).

机动 vs 移动 (yídòng)

Both involve 'moving.'

移动 is the act of moving; 机动 is the capability/power to move or be flexible.

移动电话 (Mobile phone). / 机动部队 (Mobile unit).

机动 vs 激动 (jīdòng)

Homophone.

One has the wood radical (机), the other has the water radical (激).

激动人心 (Stirring/Exciting).

机动 vs 弹性 (tánxìng)

Both mean 'flexible.'

弹性 is like a rubber band (range); 机动 is like a reserve (buffer).

弹性时间 (Flexible hours). / 机动时间 (Buffer time).

Sentence Patterns

这是机动车。

机动车在[Place]行驶。

机动车在公路上行驶。

我们有[Time]的机动时间。

我们有半小时的机动时间。

安排得很机动。

这次旅行安排得很机动。

具有较强的机动性。

该方案具有较强的机动性。

留有一定的机动余地。

合同中留有一定的机动余地。

机动人员负责[Task]。

机动人员负责突发状况。

利用机动名额[Action]。

利用机动名额录取了这名学生。

Word Family

Nouns

机动车 (Motor vehicle)

机动性 (Mobility/Flexibility)

机动权 (Right of maneuver)

机动费 (Contingency fund)

Verbs

机动 (Used rarely as 'to maneuver', usually an adjective/noun)

Adjectives

机动的 (Flexible/Motorized)

灵活机动的 (Highly adaptable)

机械 (Machine)

动力 (Power/Drive)

动机 (Motive)

运动 (Movement)

灵活 (Flexible)

How to Use It

frequency

Very frequent in legal, military, and administrative contexts; moderately frequent in daily life regarding schedules.

Common Mistakes

Using '我很机动' to mean 'I'm excited.' → 我很激动 (Wǒ hěn jīdòng).
机动 means motorized/flexible. 激动 means excited. They sound identical but have different characters.
Saying '机动的手指' for flexible fingers. → 灵活的手指 (Línghuó de shǒuzhǐ).
机动 is for systems and motors; 灵活 is for physical agility and cleverness.
Thinking '机动车' includes bicycles. → 自行车是非机动车 (Bicycles are non-motorized).
机动 strictly refers to things with engines/motors in a transportation context.
Writing '机动' with the water radical. → 机动 (jīdòng).
The water radical (氵) belongs to 激动 (excited). 机 uses the wood radical (木).
Using '机动' as a verb for 'to change.' → 灵活调整计划 (Flexibly adjust the plan).
机动 is primarily an adjective; it describes the state of the plan, it isn't the action of changing it.

Tips

Using '机动' as a Modifier

Always place '机动' directly before the noun it describes, like '机动车' or '机动名额.' No '的' is needed for these standard compound nouns.

Homophone Alert

Remember: 机 (jī) = Machine/Flexible. 激 (jī) = Water/Excited. They sound the same, so focus on the context of the sentence.

Legal Importance

In China, knowing '机动车' (motor vehicle) is vital for understanding traffic signs and avoiding fines if you are driving or riding a scooter.

The 'Buffer' Concept

In a meeting, suggest '留点机动时间' (leave some buffer time) to sound professional and well-prepared for potential delays.

Military Roots

If you are reading about history or strategy, '机动' will almost always mean 'maneuver' or 'mobile forces.'

Visual Aid

Associate '机' with a gear or a motor. If something has a gear/motor, it can move (动) in a '机动' way.

Avoiding Confusion

If you want to say you are excited, say '我很高兴' (Wǒ hěn gāoxìng) if you're worried about mixing up '激动' and '机动'.

Character Practice

Practice writing the 'wood' radical in 机 and the 'water' radical in 激 side-by-side to train your brain to see the difference.

Identify the Noun

When you see '机动,' immediately look at the next word. It will tell you if the meaning is 'motorized' or 'flexible.'

Using '机动性'

Use the suffix '性' to turn '机动' into 'mobility' or 'flexibility.' This is very common in C1/C2 level academic writing.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a Machine (机) that can Move (动) anywhere—it's either a motorized car or a flexible plan that moves with the situation.

Visual Association

Picture a car (motorized) with a rubber-band-like schedule (flexible) tied to its roof.

Word Web

机动车机动时间机动名额机动性机动力量灵活机动非机动车机动地

Challenge

Try to use '机动' in two different sentences: one about a car and one about your weekend plans.

Word Origin

Derived from classical Chinese roots. '机' (jī) originally meant the trigger of a crossbow or a loom (machine). '动' (dòng) means to move. Together, they imply 'movement generated by a mechanism.'

Original meaning: Mechanical motion or self-propelled movement.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities, but '机动地' (flexible land) is a technical term in rural politics that can be a complex topic.

English speakers often use two different words ('motorized' and 'flexible'), whereas Chinese uses '机动' for both, linked by the idea of 'mobility.'

Mobile Suit Gundam (机动战士高达) Chinese Traffic Law (机动车驾驶证) Military Strategy (机动战 - Maneuver warfare)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Traffic and Transportation

机动车道
非机动车
机动车登记
机动船

Project Management

机动时间
机动人员
机动名额
机动安排

Military and Strategy

机动部队
机动作战
快速机动
机动部署

Finance and Policy

机动费
机动指标
机动财力
机动余地

Rural Land Policy

机动地
机动地承包
留有机动地
机动地管理

Conversation Starters

"你的行程安排得机动吗？还是已经定死了？"

"在你的工作中，你需要很强的机动性吗？"

"你觉得机动车和非机动车哪个在城市里更方便？"

"如果我们留出一些机动时间，你觉得去做什么好？"

"这个项目的机动名额应该留给谁？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次因为计划不够机动而遇到的麻烦。

你认为在生活中保持‘机动性’重要吗？为什么？

讨论一下你所在城市对机动车和非机动车的管理。

如果你的时间非常机动，你最想去哪里旅行？

写一段关于‘灵活机动’的战术在生活中的应用。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. While it means 'motorized' in '机动车' (motor vehicle), it means 'flexible' or 'mobile' in contexts like '机动时间' (flexible time) or '机动部队' (mobile unit). You must look at the noun it modifies.

Context is key. If someone is talking about a schedule, a car, or a military unit, it's '机动.' If they are talking about feelings, a movie, or a surprise, it's '激动' (excited). Their tones are identical, so you must use the surrounding words.

It's rare. Usually, you would say a person is '很灵活' (flexible/clever). You only say a person is '机动' if they are an 'on-call' staff member ('机动人员'). Calling someone '很机动' might make people think you mean they are 'motorized'!

It is 'flexible land.' It refers to farmland that a village collective keeps in reserve rather than distributing it to specific families, so it can be used for future needs like new residents.

In China, low-speed electric bikes are often classified as '非机动车' (non-motorized vehicles) for legal purposes, while high-speed ones are '机动车.' It's a common legal distinction.

It's a common phrase meaning 'flexible and maneuverable.' It's often used to describe smart tactics in sports, war, or business where you adapt quickly to the situation.

It's neutral to formal. It's very common in professional, legal, and military contexts. In casual speech, people might use '灵活' or '随便' more often, but '机动时间' is still common.

Technically, it can mean 'to maneuver' in military contexts, but it's almost always used as an adjective or a noun modifier in modern Mandarin.

It is 'contingency funds' or 'flexible funds.' It’s money set aside in a budget to cover unexpected costs that might arise during a project.

'机' (jī) stands for 'machine' or 'mechanism.' The word originally described how a machine moves. Later, it evolved to mean the 'mechanism' of being flexible.