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March 24, 2026
行动(行動)xíngdòng(xing2dong4)
行动 (xíngdòng) refers to the act of moving or taking action. It is commonly used in contexts related to operations, movements, and activities, emphasizing the process of doing something rather than just the intention. This term can encompass both physical actions and metaphorical ones, such as taking steps towards a goal.
Frequency#526DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of action is often linked to the idea of 'doing' versus 'thinking.' There is a strong emphasis on taking initiative and being proactive, as seen in sayings like '行动胜于言辞' (action speaks louder than words).
Memory Tip
Imagine a person named 'Xing' who is always 'moving' (dong) around, taking action in every situation. The character 行 (xíng) looks like two legs in motion, while 动 (dòng) resembles waves or movement. Picture Xing energetically moving forward, embodying the essence of action.
Meanings of 行动
xíngdòng(xing2dong4)
1operation
2action
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About 行动
行动Simplified
行動Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#526Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 行动
Podcast: 行动
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AI Study Notes for 行动
Quick Contrast
行动 (xíngdòng) vs 运动 (yùndòng): choose 行动 when referring to taking action or operations, while 运动 focuses on physical exercise or sports.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person named 'Xing' who is always 'moving' (dong) around, taking action in every situation. The character 行 (xíng) looks like two legs in motion, while 动 (dòng) resembles waves or movement. Picture Xing energetically moving forward, embodying the essence of action.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 行动 with 进行 (jìnxíng), which means to carry out a plan rather than just moving. The term is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, often seen in discussions about initiatives or personal development. Common collocations include '采取行动' (to take action) and '积极行动' (to act actively).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 行动 connects to other words related to movement and activity, such as 运动 (yùndòng, sports/exercise) and 行 (xíng, to walk). Students should focus on understanding its usage in both everyday language and formal contexts, as well as practicing collocations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of action is often linked to the idea of 'doing' versus 'thinking.' There is a strong emphasis on taking initiative and being proactive, as seen in sayings like '行动胜于言辞' (action speaks louder than words).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 行动 with other similar terms like 走动 (zǒudòng), which specifically means to walk around. An incorrect usage might be '我喜欢走动的计划' (I like walking plans), which should be '我喜欢行动的计划' (I like action plans).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 行动
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Grammar Patterns of 行动
行动 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
If you're sexually harassed, you ought to do something about it.
5
我们需要的不是善意但难以实现的宣言，而是实际行动。
wǒ mén xū yào de bù shì shàn yì dàn nán yǐ shí xiàn de xuān yán， ， ér shì shí jì háng。
What we need is not manifestos of pious intentions, but real action.
6
她的行动和思想变得扭曲了，她的态度也是。
tā de háng dòng hé sī xiǎng biàn dé niǔ qū le， ， tā de tài dù yě。
Her actions and thoughts became distorted. So did her behavior.
7
这次我们确实可以采取行动了。
zhè cì wǒ mén què shí kě yǐ cǎi qǔ háng dòng le。
By golly we can do something about it this time.
8
不赶紧行动就没机会了。
bù gǎn jǐn háng dòng jiù méi jī huì le。
If you don't do it soon you're going to lose the opportunity.
9
一位发言人称这一坚决的行动缓和了极为棘手的局面。
yī wèi fā yán rén chēng zhè yī jiān jué de háng dòng huǎn hé le jí wéi jí shǒu de jú miàn。
A spokesman said this firm action had defused a very nasty situation.
10
即便是作为一次人道主义行动，它也不过是取得了有限的成功。
jí biàn shì zuò wéi yī cì rén dào zhǔ yì háng dòng， ， tā yě bù guò shì qǔ dé le yǒu xiàn de chéng。
Even as a humanitarian mission it has been only a qualified success.
Cultural Notes for 行动
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of action is often linked to the idea of 'doing' versus 'thinking.' There is a strong emphasis on taking initiative and being proactive, as seen in sayings like '行动胜于言辞' (action speaks louder than words).
Frequently Asked Questions about 行动
行动 emphasizes the act of moving or taking action, while 进行 focuses more on the process of carrying out a plan or activity.
Yes, 行动 is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, but it's essential to use it in the right collocations.
Break it down: 'xing' sounds like 'sing' but with an 'x', and 'dong' sounds like 'dong' in English, which can help you recall the action-oriented meaning.
