The word captures the transition from thinking or planning to active physical engagement.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To start a physical task.
- To do something yourself.
- To resort to physical violence.
Overview
- 1概览：'动手'是一个非常地道的中文词汇，核心含义是“开始行动”。它不仅指代抽象的开始工作，更常强调“亲自动手”这一动作的参与感。2) 使用模式：该词常作为动词短语使用，后面可接具体任务，如“动手做饭”、“动手写作业”。在祈使句中，它常用来催促他人开始工作，例如“快动手吧”。3) 常见语境：在家庭生活中，常指准备饭菜或修理物品；在职场中，指将构思付诸实践。此外，如果用于人际冲突，它意味着“打人”或“诉诸武力”，需根据语境谨慎使用。4) 近义词辨析：与“开始”相比，“动手”更强调身体上的参与和具体操作；与“行动”相比，“动手”更口语化，且多指具体的小型任务，而非大型战略计划。
Examples
晚饭我们自己动手做吧。
everydayLet's make dinner ourselves.
项目已经启动，我们需要尽快动手实施。
formalThe project has started, we need to implement it as soon as possible.
别动手，有话好好说。
informalDon't get physical, let's talk it out.
动手能力是学生综合素质的一部分。
academicHands-on ability is part of a student's comprehensive quality.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
动手能力强
Good at hands-on tasks
不动手
Do not touch/Do not start
别动手
Don't fight
Often Confused With
着手 is more formal and usually implies starting a systematic plan or project, whereas 动手 is more physical and informal.
动作 is a noun meaning 'movement' or 'motion', while 动手 is a verb phrase meaning 'to start doing'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '动手' in casual or semi-formal situations to describe starting a physical task. Avoid using it in highly professional documents where '着手' or '实施' is preferred. Be mindful of the negative connotation when referring to physical altercations.
Common Mistakes
Students often confuse '动手' with '动作'. Remember that '动手' is a verb phrase indicating the start of an action, while '动作' is a noun referring to the movement itself. Do not use it as a synonym for 'thinking'.
Tips
Emphasize personal participation
Use this word when you want to highlight that you are doing the task yourself rather than delegating it to others.
Be careful with context
In an argument, '动手' implies physical violence. Never use it lightly when talking about conflict.
DIY culture in China
The term is frequently used in modern DIY (Do-It-Yourself) contexts, reflecting a growing trend of personal crafting.
Word Origin
The word is a compound of '动' (to move) and '手' (hand). It originated from the literal act of using one's hands to perform manual labor.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, '动手能力' (hands-on ability) is highly valued in education, often contrasted with purely theoretical knowledge. However, the phrase '动手' in a conflict scenario is strictly forbidden in polite society.
Memory Tip
Think of the word literally: 'Move hands'. If you move your hands, you are starting the task!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions可以。当你想表达某人拖延很久还没开始写作业时，可以说“快动手写作业吧”。
当“动手”指代打人或发生肢体冲突时，这是一个负面词汇。例如“你怎么能动手打人呢？”
“工作”是一个名词或动词，指代职业或任务；“动手”则强调开始执行某项具体动作的过程。
通常不建议。在正式书面语中，建议使用“开始执行”、“着手进行”等表达。
Test Yourself
晚饭时间到了，我们一起___做饭吧。
动手做饭是固定搭配，表示开始准备饭菜。
“动手”通常强调什么？
动手强调的是具体的物理动作和参与过程。
快 / 作业 / 动手 / 写
这是标准的祈使句结构，表示催促对方开始行动。
Score: /3
Summary
The word captures the transition from thinking or planning to active physical engagement.
- To start a physical task.
- To do something yourself.
- To resort to physical violence.
Emphasize personal participation
Use this word when you want to highlight that you are doing the task yourself rather than delegating it to others.
Be careful with context
In an argument, '动手' implies physical violence. Never use it lightly when talking about conflict.
DIY culture in China
The term is frequently used in modern DIY (Do-It-Yourself) contexts, reflecting a growing trend of personal crafting.
Examples
4 of 4晚饭我们自己动手做吧。
Let's make dinner ourselves.
项目已经启动，我们需要尽快动手实施。
The project has started, we need to implement it as soon as possible.
别动手，有话好好说。
Don't get physical, let's talk it out.
动手能力是学生综合素质的一部分。
Hands-on ability is part of a student's comprehensive quality.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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一斤
B1Half a kilogram; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 500g).
一两
B1Fifty grams; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 50g).
AA制
A2To split the bill; go Dutch.
一袋
B1A bag of.
一口
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少一点儿
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多一点儿
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一碗
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一盒
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