Dòng shēn signifies the initiation of a journey or movement from one place to another.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Start a journey, leave a place.
- Emphasizes the act of setting off.
- Common in travel and departure contexts.
Overview
动身（dòng shēn）是一个常用的汉语动词，意为“出发”、“启程”。它表示开始一段旅程或行动，离开当前所在的位置前往目的地。这个词语带有一定的正式性，但也可用于日常交流，尤其是在谈论旅行、出差或任何形式的出行时。动身强调的是出发这个动作本身，以及由此开始的行程。
动身通常用作及物动词或不及物动词。作为不及物动词时，它后面可以跟地点状语，说明出发的地点或目的地，例如：“我们明天一早就动身。” 或者“他已经动身前往北京了。” 动身也可以用作及物动词，但这种情况相对较少，通常会与“出发”、“启程”等词语搭配使用。
启程 (qǐ chéng): “启程”比“动身”更正式，更书面化，常用于长途旅行或重要行程的开始。例如：“他们一行人已于今日启程。”
3.动身 (dòng shēn): “动身”介于“出发”和“启程”之间，既可以用于日常，也带有一点正式感，特别强调“身体开始移动”去某个地方的动作。例如：“请在九点前动身，以免耽误。”
4.启碇 (qǐ dìng): 这是一个非常书面化且少用的词，特指船只起航离开码头。例如：“船只已于凌晨启碇。”
Examples
我们明天一早就动身去爬山。
everydayWe will set off early tomorrow morning to go hiking.
会议结束后，代表团将立即动身返回本国。
formalAfter the conference concludes, the delegation will depart immediately for their home country.
别磨蹭了，赶紧动身吧！
informalStop dawdling, let's get going!
鉴于情况紧急，搜救队已于第一时间动身前往灾区。
news/reportGiven the urgency of the situation, the rescue team set off for the disaster area immediately.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
动身前往
Set off for
动身之日
The day of departure
立即动身
Set off immediately
Often Confused With
出发 is a more general and common term for 'depart' or 'set off'. It can be used in almost any context. 动身 often implies a more deliberate action of getting oneself moving towards a destination.
启程 is a more formal and literary term, typically used for the beginning of a long journey or an important expedition. 动身 is less formal than 启程 but can be more specific about the act of starting to move.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
While '动身' can be used in informal settings, it often carries a slightly more formal or intentional tone than the very common '出发'. It emphasizes the physical act of starting to move. Consider the context and your audience when choosing between '动身' and '出发'.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse '动身' in very casual situations where '出发' would be more natural. Also, confusing its usage with words like '到达' (arrive) or '返回' (return) is common.
Tips
Focus on the Start
Remember that '动身' specifically highlights the beginning of your journey or movement.
Avoid overuse in casual settings
While usable, '出发' might sound more natural for very simple, everyday departures.
Planning is key
The use of '动身' often implies a degree of planning or intention behind the departure.
Word Origin
The character '动' means 'move' or 'action'. '身' means 'body'. Together, '动身' literally means 'move the body', signifying the start of physical movement for a journey.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, punctuality and timely departures are often valued, especially for important events or travel. Using '动身' can subtly reflect this cultural emphasis on starting a journey with purpose and promptness.
Memory Tip
Think of '动身' as 'moving the body' (动) to 'start' (身 is often used metaphorically for starting/initiating). Imagine physically getting up and starting your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions动身和出发都表示开始行程。出发更口语化，适用范围更广。动身则更强调身体的移动和出发的动作，有时略显正式。
可以，但相对来说，动身更常用于描述一些有明确目的地或计划的行程，不一定非得是长途。例如，“我们下午三点动身去公园。”也是可以的。
可以。动身后面通常会跟地点状语，说明去往的目的地。例如：“他动身去上海了。”
动身比“出发”略显正式，但并非非常生硬的书面语，在日常交流中也常用，尤其是在谈论旅行或计划出行时。
Test Yourself
我们计划明天一早______前往北京。
句意是描述开始前往北京的行程，‘动身’最符合语境。
“The train is scheduled to depart at 3 PM.” 这句话最贴切的中文翻译是？
“Depart”意为出发，选项B“火车将在下午三点出发”最准确地传达了原意。
请用以下词语组成一个通顺的句子：我们 / 动身 / 目的地 / 明天 / 前往 / 是 / 巴黎。
句子“我们明天动身，目的地是巴黎。”结构完整，语意清晰，符合语法。
Score: /3
Summary
Dòng shēn signifies the initiation of a journey or movement from one place to another.
- Start a journey, leave a place.
- Emphasizes the act of setting off.
- Common in travel and departure contexts.
Focus on the Start
Remember that '动身' specifically highlights the beginning of your journey or movement.
Avoid overuse in casual settings
While usable, '出发' might sound more natural for very simple, everyday departures.
Planning is key
The use of '动身' often implies a degree of planning or intention behind the departure.
Examples
4 of 4我们明天一早就动身去爬山。
We will set off early tomorrow morning to go hiking.
会议结束后，代表团将立即动身返回本国。
After the conference concludes, the delegation will depart immediately for their home country.
别磨蹭了，赶紧动身吧！
Stop dawdling, let's get going!
鉴于情况紧急，搜救队已于第一时间动身前往灾区。
Given the urgency of the situation, the rescue team set off for the disaster area immediately.
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