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B1 verb 7 min read

开动

kaidong

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 开动 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 开动 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know '开动' (kāidòng) in one very specific and useful context: the dinner table. Imagine you are sitting with a Chinese family. They have cooked many delicious dishes. You are hungry, but in Chinese culture, it is polite to wait. When the host says '开动吧！' (Kāidòng ba!), they are saying 'Let's eat!' or 'Start eating!' It is a simple command that means the action of the meal has begun. You don't need to worry about machines or complex grammar yet. Just remember: 开动 = Dig in! It's a friendly, warm word used among friends and family. You will often hear it with the particle '吧' (ba) at the end, which makes it sound like a suggestion rather than a strict order. If you want to be polite, you can wait for someone else to say it first. It is one of the most important words for social dining in China.

At the A2 level, you can expand your understanding of '开动' (kāidòng) to include basic mechanical actions. While A1 focused on eating, A2 introduces the idea of 'starting' a physical object like a car or a simple machine. For example, '开动汽车' (kāidòng qìchē) means to start a car. However, you should be careful not to confuse it with '开车' (kāichē), which means 'to drive.' '开动' specifically refers to the moment the engine starts and the vehicle begins to move. You might also hear it in simple instructions like '开动这台机器' (kāidòng zhè tái jīqì - start this machine). In terms of grammar, you are now seeing it as a verb that takes an object. It's still very physical and literal at this stage. Remember that it's for things that move or have moving parts.

At the B1 level, you should start using '开动' (kāidòng) in its most common metaphorical sense: '开动脑筋' (kāidòng nǎojīn). This phrase means 'to use one's brain' or 'to think hard.' It's a very common collocation that you will hear in classrooms or workplaces. Instead of just saying '想一想' (xiǎng yī xiǎng - think a bit), using '开动脑筋' suggests a more active, vigorous effort to solve a problem. You are also expected to distinguish '开动' from '开始' (kāishǐ). You should know that '开动' is for machines, meals, and brains, while '开始' is for events like movies or meetings. At this level, you can also use it in resultative or durative structures, like '机器已经开动了' (The machine has already started running). You are moving from simple commands to describing states and mental processes.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with '开动' (kāidòng) in more formal or industrial contexts. You might read about a factory '全速开动' (quánsù kāidòng - running at full speed) or a government '开动宣传机器' (kāidòng xuānchuán jīqì - starting up the propaganda machine). The word starts to take on a nuance of mobilization—bringing all resources to bear on a single task. You should also understand the difference between '开动' and '启动' (qǐdòng). While '开动' is more about the physical motion of gears and engines, '启动' is often used for starting systems, software, or large-scale economic projects. A B2 learner should be able to choose the correct word based on the 'heaviness' or 'technicality' of the subject. You might also encounter it in literature to describe the beginning of a journey or a significant change in momentum.

At the C1 level, your mastery of '开动' (kāidòng) involves understanding its use in nuanced social commentary and idiomatic expressions. You might analyze how the word is used in political discourse to describe the 'starting up' of social forces or institutional mechanisms. The metaphorical use of '开动' can imply a relentless, almost mechanical progression once an action has begun. You should also be aware of its rhythmic role in four-character expressions or parallel structures in writing. At this level, you can use '开动' to add a sense of vigor and 'physicality' to your descriptions of abstract processes. For instance, describing a team '开动所有资源' (mobilizing all resources) creates a stronger image than simply saying '使用' (using). You are expected to use the word with precision, recognizing its informal warmth at the table and its industrial power in a report.

At the C2 level, '开动' (kāidòng) becomes a tool for stylistic precision. You understand its historical roots in the industrialization of China and how it transitioned from a purely technical term to a common social one. You can appreciate the subtle irony if someone uses '开动' for a very small, insignificant action, or the gravitas it carries when describing the '开动' of a nation's judicial or military apparatus. You should be able to use it in complex grammatical structures, such as passive forms or in conjunction with sophisticated adverbs that describe the manner of starting (e.g., 轰鸣着开动 - starting with a roar). Your understanding extends to the cultural subtext: why '开动' is the chosen word for collective action and how it reflects a culture that values the 'engine' of the group over the individual part. You can fluently switch between its literal, social, and metaphorical meanings in high-level academic or professional writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

开动 in 30 Seconds

开动 (kāidòng) means to start a machine or set it in motion.
It is a very common way to say 'Let's eat!' at the beginning of a meal.
The phrase '开动脑筋' (kāidòng nǎojīn) means to use your brain or think hard.
It is less formal than '启动' and focuses on physical or mental 'gears' turning.

The Chinese term 开动 (kāidòng) is a versatile verb that primarily functions in two distinct spheres: the mechanical and the culinary. At its core, the word combines 开 (kāi), meaning 'to open' or 'to start,' with 动 (dòng), meaning 'to move.' When applied to machinery, it refers to the act of setting a device, vehicle, or engine into motion. However, for most Chinese learners, its most delightful usage occurs at the dining table. In a social context, 开动 is the enthusiastic signal that it is time to start eating. It is the equivalent of saying 'Dig in!' or 'Let's start!' in English, often used by a host or a senior family member to give everyone permission to begin the meal. This usage carries a sense of collective action and shared enjoyment.

Mechanical Context: Used when an operator starts a machine, factory production line, or a vehicle engine. It implies the transition from a state of rest to a state of active operation.
Social/Dining Context: Used as an informal imperative to begin a meal. It is warm, inviting, and signals the end of the waiting period once all dishes have arrived.
Mental Context: Often paired with 'brain' (脑筋 - nǎojīn) to mean 'to use one's head' or 'to think hard' about a problem.

菜都齐了，大家快开动吧！(The dishes are all here, everyone let's dig in!)

Beyond the physical act of starting a machine or a meal, 开动 implies the initiation of a process. In literature or news, you might see it used metaphorically for a 'propaganda machine' or a 'political engine.' It suggests a powerful force beginning to exert its influence. For a learner, mastering this word means understanding the transition from static to dynamic. Whether you are starting a tractor in a field or encouraging friends to enjoy a home-cooked feast, 开动 captures that specific moment of ignition. It is less formal than 启动 (qǐdòng), which is often reserved for high-tech systems or official launches, making 开动 the perfect choice for everyday life and common interactions.

遇到困难时，要多开动脑筋想办法。(When facing difficulties, you should use your brain more to find solutions.)

Using 开动 (kāidòng) correctly requires identifying the object of the action. It is a transitive verb when referring to machines or the mind, but it can stand alone as an intransitive command during meals. The grammatical structure is typically [Subject] + 开动 + [Object].

Structure: Subject + 开动 + 机器/脑筋: Worker starts the machine: 工人开动了机器 (Gōngrén kāidòngle jīqì). Student uses their brain: 学生们开动脑筋 (Xuéshēngmen kāidòng nǎojīn).
Structure: Imperative (Standalone): At a dinner: 别客气，开动吧！ (Bié kèqì, kāidòng ba! - Don't be polite, start eating!)

When using it for 'starting to eat,' it is often followed by the particle 吧 (ba) to make it a suggestion or 了 (le) to indicate the action has begun. It is important to note that 开动 is rarely used for abstract concepts like 'starting a conversation' or 'starting a meeting.' For those, 开始 (kāishǐ) is the appropriate choice. 开动 is grounded in physical movement or the 'gears' of the mind turning.

司机开动了卡车，向工地驶去。(The driver started the truck and drove toward the construction site.)

In more complex sentences, 开动 can be part of a resultative construction or modified by adverbs. For instance, '全速开动' (quánsù kāidòng) means 'to run at full speed.' This is common in industrial contexts describing factories working at maximum capacity to meet a quota. The word conveys energy and momentum.

为了完成任务，工厂的机器二十四小时全速开动。(To complete the task, the factory machines are running at full speed twenty-four hours a day.)

You will encounter 开动 (kāidòng) in three primary environments: the home, the workplace, and the classroom. In a Chinese household, during Spring Festival or a simple Sunday dinner, once the last dish—usually a soup or a signature fish—is placed on the table, the eldest person might say, "好了，大家开动吧！" This breaks the polite silence and allows the younger generation to pick up their chopsticks. It is a word of release and permission.

In an industrial or mechanical setting, such as a garage or a factory floor, you will hear it used literally. A supervisor might shout, "开动机器！" (Start the machines!). Here, it is a functional command. Similarly, in military or transport contexts, starting a large vessel or a tank involves the word 开动. It suggests the heavy, powerful nature of the equipment being mobilized.

在喧闹的工厂里，随着一声令下，所有的织布机都开动了。(In the noisy factory, at the word of command, all the looms started running.)

The third environment is educational. Teachers frequently use the phrase "开动脑筋" (kāidòng nǎojīn) to encourage students to think critically. If a class is silent after a difficult question is asked, the teacher might say, "大家开动脑筋想一想，答案其实并不难。" (Everyone, use your brains and think; the answer actually isn't hard.) This usage is very common in primary and middle schools, framing thinking as a mechanical process of engaging the mind's machinery.

快，开动引擎，我们要迟到了！(Quick, start the engine, we're going to be late!)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 开动 (kāidòng) is confusing it with 开始 (kāishǐ). While both mean 'to start,' 开始 is a general term for beginning any activity, event, or period. 开动 is much more specific to physical movement or the 'digging in' to a meal. You can 开始 a meeting, but you cannot 开动 a meeting.

Incorrect vs. Correct: Incorrect: 我们开动比赛吧。(Wǒmen kāidòng bǐsài ba.) - Wrong because a competition isn't a machine or a meal.; Correct: 我们开始比赛吧。(Wǒmen kāishǐ bǐsài ba.) - Let's start the competition.

Another error is using 开动 for electronics like computers or phones. For these, the correct term is 开机 (kāijī) or 打开 (dǎkāi). 开动 implies a more mechanical, heavy-duty kind of 'starting'—think gears, pistons, and wheels, not circuits and screens.

错误：他开动了电脑。(He started the computer - Incorrect usage.)

Finally, learners sometimes forget that 开动 in the sense of eating is quite informal. You wouldn't use it in a very stiff, formal banquet where a high-ranking official is giving a speech. In that case, you would wait for the host to say "请用餐" (qǐng yòngcān - please use the meal). 开动 is for friends, family, and casual colleagues.

Understanding the synonyms of 开动 (kāidòng) helps refine your vocabulary. While they all touch on the concept of 'starting,' their nuances vary significantly depending on the object being started.

启动 (qǐdòng): More formal and technical than 开动. Used for software, large-scale projects, or sophisticated machinery. You '启动' a space shuttle or a computer program.
开始 (kāishǐ): The generic 'to start' or 'to begin.' It can be a noun or a verb. Use it for time, movies, meetings, and habits.
动筷子 (dòng kuàizi): Literally 'to move chopsticks.' This is a very specific alternative to '开动' for meals. It is slightly more descriptive of the physical action of eating.
发动 (fādòng): Often used for 'launching' or 'triggering' something like an attack, a strike, or an engine. It carries a sense of mobilizing force.

When comparing 开动 and 启动, think of the tactile nature of the action. 开动 feels more manual—like pulling a lever. 启动 feels more like pressing a button on a sleek console. In the context of thinking, 开动脑筋 is a fixed collocation that sounds much more natural than '启动脑筋'.

我们正准备启动这个新研发的项目。(We are preparing to launch this newly developed project.)

长辈还没动筷子，晚辈不能先吃。(The elders haven't touched their chopsticks yet, so the juniors cannot eat first.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The usage of '开动' for eating only became popular in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by military or industrial collective life where a signal was needed to start eating together.

Pronunciation Guide

UK kāidòng

US kāidòng

Primary stress on the second syllable 'dòng' as it is the falling tone.

Rhymes With

台 (tái) 开 (kāi) 拍 (pāi) 送 (sòng) 用 (yòng) 重 (zhòng) 痛 (tòng) 洞 (dòng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'dòng' as a rising tone (2nd) like 'dóng'.
Pronouncing 'kāi' with a dip like 'kǎi'.
Not aspirating the 'k' in 'kāi' properly.
Confusing 'dòng' with 'dōng' (winter).
Shortening the 'ai' sound in 'kāi'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Characters are relatively simple (HSK 3-4 level).

Writing 4/5

Writing '动' requires attention to stroke order and radicals.

Speaking 2/5

Very easy to use in common social situations.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from similar sounding words like '启动'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

开 (open) 动 (move) 机器 (machine) 吃饭 (eat) 脑筋 (brain)

Learn Next

启动 (to start/technical) 发动 (to launch) 运行 (to run/operate) 停止 (to stop) 脑筋 (brain/mind)

Advanced

动力学 (dynamics) 自动化 (automation) 内燃机 (internal combustion engine) 思辨 (critical thinking)

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complements

把机器开动起来 (Get the machine started).

Imperative Sentence with '吧'

我们开动吧！ (Let's start!)

Adverbial Placement

全速开动 (Running at full speed).

Potential Complements

开动不了 (Cannot be started).

Pivotal Sentences

让他开动脑筋 (Make him use his brain).

Examples by Level

我们可以开动了吗？

Can we start eating?

Using '了' to indicate the start of an action.

大家开动吧！

Everyone, let's dig in!

The particle '吧' makes it a suggestion.

快开动，菜要凉了。

Start eating quickly, the food is getting cold.

Adverb '快' (quickly) before the verb.

我不等了，我开动了。

I'm not waiting anymore, I'm starting to eat.

Subject-Verb-Particle structure.

爸爸说：“开动！”

Dad said, "Start eating!"

Direct quote usage.

我们一起开动。

We start eating together.

Adverb '一起' (together).

好香啊，开动吧！

It smells so good, let's start!

Exclamatory sentence preceding the command.

你要开动了吗？

Are you going to start eating?

Question form with '吗'.

工人开动了机器。

The worker started the machine.

Verb-Object structure (机器).

请开动这台车。

Please start this car.

Using '请' for a polite request.

机器开动的时候声音很大。

The sound is very loud when the machine starts.

Temporal clause using '……的时候'.

他不会开动这台洗衣机。

He doesn't know how to start this washing machine.

Modal verb '会' indicating ability.

我们必须立刻开动机器。

We must start the machines immediately.

Adverb '立刻' (immediately).

拖拉机慢慢开动了。

The tractor started moving slowly.

Adverb '慢慢' (slowly).

谁开动了发电机？

Who started the generator?

Question word '谁' (who).

他在尝试开动那辆旧摩托车。

He is trying to start that old motorcycle.

Verb '尝试' (try) followed by the action.

老师让我们开动脑筋想问题。

The teacher asked us to use our brains to think about the problem.

Pivotal sentence with '让'.

只有开动脑筋，才能找到答案。

Only by using your brain can you find the answer.

Conditional structure '只有……才……'.

船已经开动了，我们走吧。

The boat has already started moving, let's go.

Adverb '已经' (already) indicating completed change.

他开动脑筋，想出了一个好主意。

He used his head and came up with a good idea.

Sequential actions with '想出了'.

我们需要开动所有的宣传渠道。

We need to start up all the publicity channels.

Metaphorical use of '开动'.

这台机器很难开动。

This machine is difficult to start.

Adjective '难' (difficult) modifying the verb.

大家开动脑筋，集体讨论一下。

Everyone use your brains and have a group discussion.

Imperative with a collective noun.

一旦机器开动，就不能随便停止。

Once the machine starts, it cannot be stopped easily.

Conjunction '一旦……就……'.

工厂的生产线已经全面开动。

The factory's production lines are in full operation.

Adverbial '全面' (completely/fully).

面对危机，政府开动了应急机制。

In the face of the crisis, the government activated the emergency mechanism.

Abstract object '应急机制'.

由于缺乏燃料，引擎无法开动。

Due to a lack of fuel, the engine cannot be started.

Causal conjunction '由于'.

他善于开动脑筋，化解各种矛盾。

He is good at using his brain to resolve various conflicts.

Structure '善于' (be good at).

随着指令下达，庞大的机器开始轰鸣着开动。

As the command was given, the massive machine began to start with a roar.

Onomatopoeia '轰鸣着' used as an adverbial.

我们要开动一切积极因素为建设服务。

We must mobilize all positive factors to serve the construction.

Formal political/social usage.

司机熟练地开动了推土机。

The driver skillfully started the bulldozer.

Adverb '熟练地' (skillfully).

如果不能开动脑筋，你很难在这个行业生存。

If you can't use your head, it's hard to survive in this industry.

Conditional '如果'.

在激烈的市场竞争中，企业必须全方位开动创新引擎。

In fierce market competition, enterprises must fully engage their innovation engines.

Metaphorical '创新引擎'.

这篇文章旨在启发读者开动脑筋，反思社会现状。

This article aims to inspire readers to use their brains and reflect on the current state of society.

Purpose clause '旨在'.

巨大的社会机器一旦开动，个人的力量往往显得微小。

Once the massive social machine starts, individual power often seems tiny.

Philosophical/Sociological metaphor.

为了应对突发状况，整个团队迅速开动，各司其职。

To handle the emergency, the entire team mobilized quickly, each performing their duties.

Intransitive use for team mobilization.

他不仅开动了机器，还对整个流程进行了优化。

He not only started the machine but also optimized the entire process.

Correlative conjunction '不仅……还……'.

这种陈旧的思维模式已经无法开动现代化的管理体系。

This outdated way of thinking can no longer drive modern management systems.

Negative potential with '无法'.

开动脑筋不仅仅是为了解决问题，更是为了提升自我。

Using your brain is not just for solving problems, but more importantly for self-improvement.

Emphasis structure '不仅仅是……更是……'.

随着经济政策的调整，市场的内生动力被逐渐开动起来。

With the adjustment of economic policies, the market's endogenous power is gradually being activated.

Passive-like structure with '被……起来'.

纵观历史，每一次技术革命都会开动一轮全新的社会变革。

Throughout history, every technological revolution has set in motion a completely new round of social transformation.

Historical/Academic register.

在处理如此错综复杂的社会矛盾时，必须全方位开动脑筋，寻求多元化的解决方案。

When dealing with such intricate social contradictions, one must fully engage one's mind to seek diversified solutions.

High-level professional vocabulary.

他那如精密仪器般的头脑，在关键时刻迅速开动，捕捉到了对手的破绽。

His mind, like a precision instrument, started up rapidly at the critical moment, catching the opponent's flaw.

Simile and sophisticated imagery.

这种政策的实施，无异于开动了一台无法停歇的利益分配机器。

The implementation of this policy is equivalent to starting a machine of interest distribution that cannot be stopped.

Advanced idiom '无异于' (no different from).

文学创作需要作者不断开动想象力，构建出一个个瑰丽的世界。

Literary creation requires the author to constantly engage their imagination to construct magnificent worlds.

Abstract object '想象力'.

在那个动荡的年代，为了生存，人们不得不开动所有的智慧与勇气。

In those turbulent times, to survive, people had to mobilize all their wisdom and courage.

Rhetorical pairing of '智慧' and '勇气'.

如果不从根本上开动制度改革的引擎，局部的小修小补终究无济于事。

If the engine of institutional reform is not fundamentally started, local minor repairs will ultimately be of no help.

Conditional '如果' with '终究'.

随着全球化的深入，各国的利益博弈机器都在全速开动。

With the deepening of globalization, the machines of interest gaming in various countries are running at full speed.

Metaphorical '博弈机器'.

Common Collocations

开动机器

开动脑筋

全面开动

全速开动

开动引擎

大家开动

开动马力

无法开动

重新开动

开动宣传

Common Phrases

大家开动吧

— A common phrase used to tell everyone to start eating.

别客气，大家开动吧！

开动脑筋

— To use one's head; to think hard about a problem.

多开动脑筋，才能解决这个难题。

机器开动了

— The machine has started running.

听到声音，我知道机器开动了。

全速开动

— Running at full speed or maximum capacity.

工厂的机器正全速开动。

开动发电机

— To start the generator.

停电时我们需要开动发电机。

无法开动

— Something is broken and cannot be started.

这台旧电脑已经无法开动了。

开动引擎

— To start the engine of a vehicle.

他一开动引擎，就听到了怪声。

开动宣传机器

— To start a propaganda or publicity campaign.

政府开动了宣传机器来推广新政策。

准备开动

— Getting ready to start something (machine or meal).

我们都坐好了，准备开动。

开动起来

— To get something moving or working.

我们要让这个项目开动起来。

Often Confused With

开动 vs 开始 (kāishǐ)

开始 is general; 开动 is for machines, meals, and brains.

开动 vs 启动 (qǐdòng)

启动 is technical/formal; 开动 is physical/informal.

开动 vs 发动 (fādòng)

发动 implies launching an action or force.

Idioms & Expressions

"开动脑筋"

— To exercise one's wits; to use one's brain.

只要开动脑筋，办法总比困难多。

Common

"开动马力"

— To go all out; to work at full capacity.

全厂开动马力，保证按时交货。

Industrial

"机器轰鸣"

— The roar of machines (often follows '开动').

随着机器开动，车间里机器轰鸣。

Literary

"动手动脑"

— To use both hands and brain (related to 开动脑筋).

我们要培养学生动手动脑的能力。

Educational

"大快朵颐"

— To eat to one's heart's content (the result of '开动').

大家开动后，开始大快朵颐。

Literary

"雷厉风行"

— To act with lightning speed (how a machine might start).

他一开动起来，工作真是雷厉风行。

Commendatory

"不知疲倦"

— Tireless (describing a machine that has '开动').

开动后的机器不知疲倦地运转着。

Descriptive

"一触即发"

— Ready to be set off at a touch.

这台机器灵敏到一触即发，随时可以开动。

Descriptive

"全力以赴"

— To give it one's all (similar to 开动马力).

项目一旦开动，我们必须全力以赴。

Common

"风驰电掣"

— Swift as the wind and quick as lightning.

那辆赛车开动后，风驰电掣般消失了。

Literary

Easily Confused

开动 vs 开始

Both mean 'start'.

开始 is for time and events. 开动 is for movement and eating.

比赛开始了 (The game started) vs 大家开动吧 (Let's eat).

开动 vs 启动

Both are used for machines.

启动 is formal/digital. 开动 is mechanical/tactile.

启动系统 (Start system) vs 开动拖拉机 (Start tractor).

开动 vs 发动

Both relate to engines.

发动 is about the initial ignition/launch. 开动 is about setting in motion.

发动政变 (Launch a coup) vs 开动机器 (Run a machine).

开动 vs 开机

Both mean starting a device.

开机 is specifically for electronic devices (computers, phones).

请开机 (Please turn on the device).

开动 vs 起动

Technical synonym.

起动 is a technical term for motors/engines starting from rest.

起动电流 (Starting current).

Sentence Patterns

大家 + 开动 + 吧！

大家开动吧！

工人 + 开动 + 了 + [Object]。

工人开动了机器。

要 + 多 + 开动脑筋。

我们要多开动脑筋。

[Subject] + 无法 + 开动 + [Object]。

司机无法开动卡车。

随着 + [Event] + 机器 + 开动了。

随着电力的恢复，机器开动了。

开动 + [Abstract Object] + 的 + 引擎。

开动制度改革的引擎。

我 + 开动 + 了。

我开动了。

[Object] + 已经 + 开动 + 了。

轮船已经开动了。

Word Family

Nouns

开动装置 (starting device)

开动员 (starter - rare)

Verbs

启动 (to start)

驱动 (to drive/propel)

发动 (to launch)

触动 (to touch/stir)

Adjectives

可开动的 (startable)

已开动的 (started)

动力 (power/motive)

动作 (action)

开放 (to open up)

开发 (to develop)

动脑 (to think)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily speech and industry.

Common Mistakes

Using 开动 for starting a conversation. → 开始对话
Conversation is an abstract event, not a mechanical process.
Saying '开动电脑'. → 开机 / 打开电脑
Electronics use '开机', not '开动'.
Using 开动 for 'to drive' a car. → 开车
开动 is just the act of starting the motion, not the continuous driving.
Incorrect tone on 'dòng'. → kāidòng (4th tone)
Using a 1st tone makes it sound like 'open winter'.
Using 开动 for a meeting starting. → 会议开始
Meetings use '开始'.

Tips

Dinner Etiquette

Wait for the eldest person to say '开动' before you pick up your chopsticks. It shows great respect.

Verb-Object

Remember that '脑筋' is the most common object for '开动' when not talking about machines or food.

Tone Mastery

Make sure the 'dòng' is a sharp drop. If it sounds flat, people might think you are saying 'winter' (dōng).

Visualizing '动'

The right side of '动' is '力' (strength). Think of the strength needed to start a machine.

Industrial Use

In a factory setting, '开动' is a very standard word for 'to operate' or 'to start up'.

Vs. 启动

Use '启动' for high-tech and '开动' for heavy-duty or social contexts.

Brain Gears

Visualize gears turning in your head whenever you hear '开动脑筋'.

Meal Signal

In a busy restaurant, '开动' is the signal that the waiting is over and the feast begins.

Word Family

Learning '动力' (power) alongside '开动' helps you remember the 'motion' aspect.

Formality

Keep '开动' for casual dining. Use '请用餐' for formal business dinners.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a giant KEY (Kāi) turning the GEARS (Dòng) of a machine or your brain.

Visual Association

Picture a group of people holding chopsticks like keys, waiting to 'turn on' the meal.

Word Web

机器 (Machine) 脑筋 (Brain) 吃饭 (Eating) 引擎 (Engine) 启动 (Start) 大家 (Everyone) 吧 (Particle) 了 (Particle)

Challenge

Try to use '开动' in three different ways today: once for a meal, once for a task, and once for thinking.

Word Origin

The term is a modern compound. '开' (kāi) originally depicted two hands opening a gate. '动' (dòng) combines 'heavy' and 'strength,' signifying the effort to move something heavy.

Original meaning: To set a heavy object or a gate into motion.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese)

Cultural Context

Avoid using '开动' in extremely formal banquets with high-level officials unless you are the host.

Equivalent to 'Dig in' or 'Bon appétit,' but more focused on the collective 'starting' rather than the individual 'enjoying.'

Commonly heard in Chinese 'Mukbang' videos where creators say '开动了' before eating. Frequently used in Mao-era industrial posters. A classic line in primary school textbooks: '我们要多开动脑筋'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Dinner Table

大家开动吧
可以开动了吗
我开动了
快开动

Factory/Workshop

开动机器
全速开动
检查是否开动
无法开动

Classroom

开动脑筋
多开动脑筋
大家开动脑筋想一想
开动思维

Garage/Vehicle

开动汽车
开动引擎
摩托车开动了
重新开动

Media/Propaganda

开动宣传机器
开动媒体渠道
舆论开动
全面开动

Conversation Starters

"菜都上齐了，我们要不要现在开动？"

"你觉得这台旧机器还能开动吗？"

"老师说要开动脑筋，你有什么好主意吗？"

"这辆车怎么也开动不了，你会修吗？"

"大家别客气了，赶紧开动吧！"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你和朋友聚餐时，大家一起开动的情景。

你觉得在学习中，什么样的问题最能让你开动脑筋？

如果你有一台可以实现梦想的机器，你会如何开动它？

谈谈你第一次尝试开动一辆车或一个复杂机器的经历。

在你的文化中，有没有类似‘开动’这样的餐桌礼仪用语？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use '开机' (kāijī) for computers and phones. '开动' is for mechanical things like cars and factory machines.

Yes, it is very common and friendly. However, usually the host or the eldest person says it first to give everyone permission to eat.

'开始' is general (start a movie, start a meeting). '开动' is specific to machines moving, people eating, or using your brain.

Yes, it is a very common idiomatic phrase meaning 'to use one's head' or 'to think creatively'.

Usually, '启动' (qǐdòng) is better for business projects as it sounds more professional and formal.

No, '开动' means to start the engine or set it in motion. '开车' (kāichē) means to drive.

No, you must say '电影开始了' (The movie has started).

It is 1st tone (kāi) and 4th tone (dòng).

Yes, but it's more common in spoken language for meals and in technical/industrial writing for machinery.

Yes, you can use it for starting an airplane's engine or the plane starting to move on the runway.