动
dòng
move
At a glance · 动

Listen

Audio is synthesized in your browser: Mandarin for the character and Shuowen text, native voices for every translation. No downloads.

Evolution of the glyph

Five stages, from a sketch of the real object to regular script — tap a stage, drag the timeline, or play the animation.

动 Evolution of the glyph
  1. 动 Object sketch
    Object sketchBefore writing · drawing what was seen
  2. 动 Oracle bone
    Oracle boneShang dynasty · c. 1300–1046 BCE
  3. 动 Seal script
    Seal scriptQin dynasty · 221–206 BCE
  4. 动 Clerical script
    Clerical scriptHan dynasty · 206 BCE–220 CE
  5. 动 Regular script
    Regular scriptWei–Jin to Tang · c. 3rd–9th century CE
Object sketchBefore writing · drawing what was seenOracle boneShang dynasty · c. 1300–1046 BCESeal scriptQin dynasty · 221–206 BCEClerical scriptHan dynasty · 206 BCE–220 CERegular scriptWei–Jin to Tang · c. 3rd–9th century CE

⚠ Some ancient forms are not attested:oracle bone form、seal script form。No excavated oracle bone / seal artifact is attested for this character yet; we leave it blank rather than fabricate.

「动」繁体「動」从力重声,小篆从力動声,形声清晰。

What the sketch shows

动 Object sketch

Origins & notes

「动」本义为变动、行动,引申感动、动作。

Structure

从力、重(東)声,形声字,力表义类,本为运动、变动。简作动。

At a glance

Pinyindòng
Radical力
Strokes6
UnicodeU+52A8
Character type形声
Theme动作

Six languages, one character

Each page offers hreflang versions; switching language keeps the glyphs and meanings aligned.

English move move, happen; movement, action
Français mouvoir / agir Mouvoir, agir. «心动神疲» : le cœur remué épuise l'esprit.
Español mover / actuar Mover, actuar. «心动神疲»: el corazón conmovido agota el espíritu.
العربية يحرّك / يفعل يحرّك، يفعل. «心动神疲»: القلب المتحرّك يُعيي الروح.
Русский двигать / действовать Двигать, действовать. «心动神疲»: тронутое сердце истощает дух.

Common words

  • 动作dòng zuòaction
  • 运动yùn dòngsport