Use '动不动' to describe actions that happen very often or very easily, often with a hint of surprise or disapproval.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Indicates frequent or easy occurrence of actions.
- Often implies spontaneity or lack of control.
- Common in spoken Chinese for emphasis.
Overview
“动不动”是一个非常口语化的副词，用来描述某件事情发生得非常频繁，或者某人很容易就做出某种反应或行为。它通常带有一定的负面或感叹意味，表示行为的不可控或不恰当。这个词语的用法灵活，可以修饰动词，也可以用来描述一种状态。
Examples
他这个人就是这样，动不动就发脾气，真让人受不了。
everydayThis person is just like that, he throws tantrums at the slightest provocation, it's unbearable.
秋天天气变化无常，小孩子动不动就容易着凉感冒。
informalThe weather in autumn is unpredictable; children easily catch colds at the slightest change.
在公司里，领导的批评动不动就让你感到压力很大。
workplaceIn the company, the leader's criticism can easily make you feel stressed.
他对待工作很不认真，动不动就迟到，影响了整个团队的效率。
negative observationHe is very careless about his work, often arriving late without much reason, affecting the entire team's efficiency.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
动不动就生气
get angry easily/frequently
动不动就咳嗽
cough easily/frequently
动不动就下雨
it rains very often/easily
Often Confused With
'经常' means 'often' or 'frequently' and is neutral. '动不动' implies that the action happens very easily or without much reason, often with a negative or exasperated tone.
'随便' means 'randomly', 'casually', or 'as one pleases'. It focuses on lack of constraint or plan, while '动不动' focuses on the frequency or ease of an action, often implying it's excessive or inappropriate.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This adverb is highly colloquial and emphasizes the frequency or ease with which an action occurs. It's often used to express mild frustration or surprise. While versatile, it's best suited for informal conversations and narratives. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like '经常' or '常常'.
Common Mistakes
Using '动不动' to describe positive or neutral events can sound unnatural, as it typically carries a connotation of something being excessive or easily triggered. Avoid using it in very formal contexts where a more objective tone is required. Ensure the context implies frequent or easy occurrence.
Tips
Emphasize Frequency and Ease
Use '动不动' to highlight how often something happens or how easily someone reacts. It adds vividness to your descriptions.
Avoid Overuse in Formal Writing
While common in speech, '动不动' can sound too casual or even critical in formal writing. Choose more neutral adverbs if necessary.
Expressing Mild Frustration
Often used to express mild frustration or exasperation with someone's repetitive or impulsive behavior, adding a layer of emotional nuance.
Word Origin
The word '动不动' combines '动' (to move, to act) and '不' (not). The repetition of '不' emphasizes the lack of a significant trigger or the ease with which the action is initiated, leading to its meaning of 'frequently' or 'easily'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, directly pointing out someone's frequent negative behaviors can be considered impolite. '动不动' offers a slightly softer, more colloquial way to express this observation without being overly confrontational, especially in informal settings.
Memory Tip
Think of '动' as 'move' (like moving to action) and '不' '不' '不' (repeatedly) - it moves to action again and again, or at the slightest thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“动不动”强调行为发生的频率高且随意，常常带有评价的意味（如：太容易了，不应该）。“经常”则比较中性，只表示频率高，没有其他附加含义。
虽然理论上可以，但“动不动”在实际使用中，更多地用于形容不好的、令人烦恼的或意想不到的行为或事件，带有一定的负面色彩。
不一定。当“动不动”修饰动词时，后面可以不加“就”（如：他动不动发脾气）。但当强调动作发生的迅速或结果时，常常会加上“就”（如：动不动就感冒）。
“动不动”是一个非常口语化的词语，在日常交流中使用频率很高，但在正式的书面语或非常严肃的场合，使用可能不太恰当。
Test Yourself
他这个人脾气不好，______就发火。
这里描述的是“发火”这件事发生的频率高且随意，带有评价意味，用“动不动”最合适。
以下哪个句子正确使用了“动不动”？
选项二描述了天气变化后容易感冒的频繁状态，符合“动不动”的用法。选项一描述好事，不常用。选项三描述容易完成，但“动不动”更强调频繁或随意。选项四语序不当。
请用“动不动”组成一个句子，描述一个人容易哭。
“动不动”放在动词“哭”前面，表示经常或轻易地哭，语序自然。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '动不动' to describe actions that happen very often or very easily, often with a hint of surprise or disapproval.
- Indicates frequent or easy occurrence of actions.
- Often implies spontaneity or lack of control.
- Common in spoken Chinese for emphasis.
Emphasize Frequency and Ease
Use '动不动' to highlight how often something happens or how easily someone reacts. It adds vividness to your descriptions.
Avoid Overuse in Formal Writing
While common in speech, '动不动' can sound too casual or even critical in formal writing. Choose more neutral adverbs if necessary.
Expressing Mild Frustration
Often used to express mild frustration or exasperation with someone's repetitive or impulsive behavior, adding a layer of emotional nuance.
Examples
4 of 4他这个人就是这样，动不动就发脾气，真让人受不了。
This person is just like that, he throws tantrums at the slightest provocation, it's unbearable.
秋天天气变化无常，小孩子动不动就容易着凉感冒。
The weather in autumn is unpredictable; children easily catch colds at the slightest change.
在公司里，领导的批评动不动就让你感到压力很大。
In the company, the leader's criticism can easily make you feel stressed.
他对待工作很不认真，动不动就迟到，影响了整个团队的效率。
He is very careless about his work, often arriving late without much reason, affecting the entire team's efficiency.
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