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March 24, 2026
动身(動身)dòngshēn(dong4shen1)
动身 (dòng shēn) refers to the act of setting off or starting a journey. This phrase is commonly used in contexts involving travel or departure, whether it's for a short trip or a long journey. It carries a sense of action and intention, emphasizing the moment one begins to move from one place to another.
Frequency#8188DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of setting off on a journey is often accompanied by rituals or sayings, such as wishing safe travels. This reflects the importance placed on journeys in Chinese traditions, whether for business or family visits.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person packing their bags (动) and lifting their feet (身) to start their journey. Visualize them excitedly saying 'Let's go!' as they take their first step—this represents the action of setting off.
Meanings of 动身
dòngshēn(dong4shen1)
1to go on a journey
2to leave
Exercise 1 of 2
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Choose the correct answer:
About 动身
动身Simplified
動身Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8188Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 动身
Podcast: 动身
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AI Study Notes for 动身
Quick Contrast
出发 (chūfā) - use 动身 when emphasizing the action of starting a journey, while 出发 is more general and can imply the departure itself without the same focus on the action.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person packing their bags (动) and lifting their feet (身) to start their journey. Visualize them excitedly saying 'Let's go!' as they take their first step—this represents the action of setting off.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 动身 with 出发 (chūfā), which also means to set off, but 动身 emphasizes the act of leaving one's current location. It's used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of using it appropriately in travel-related conversations. Note that the tone of '动' is the fourth tone, which can lead to mispronunciation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 动身 connects to themes of travel and movement found in other vocabulary at this level. Focus on using it in sentences involving travel plans and understand its nuances compared to similar words like 出发 and 离开.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of setting off on a journey is often accompanied by rituals or sayings, such as wishing safe travels. This reflects the importance placed on journeys in Chinese traditions, whether for business or family visits.
Common Mistakes
Learners may incorrectly use 动身 in contexts where 离开 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我动身了' (wǒ dòng shēn le) when they mean 'I left.' The correct phrase should be '我离开了' (wǒ líkāi le).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 动身
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Grammar Patterns of 动身
动身 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他无力地耸耸肩，扭____体想要挣脱。
He gave a feeble shrug and tried to squirm free.
Example Sentences for 动身 (7)
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1
他无力地耸耸肩，扭动身体想要挣脱。
tā wú lì dì sǒng sǒng jiān， ， niǔ dòng shēn tǐ xiǎng yào zhèng。
He gave a feeble shrug and tried to squirm free.
2
尼科尔斯动身去他在康涅狄格州的偏僻农舍了。
ní kē ěr sī dòng shēn qù tā zài kāng niè dí gé zhōu de piān pì nóng shě le。
Nichols set off for his remote farmhouse in Connecticut.
tā bǎ dōng xī zhuāng jìn xiāng zǐ lǐ jiù dòng shēn le.
He packed up his things and left.
7
他扭动身体，挣开背包的肩带。
tā niǔ dòng shēn tǐ， ， zhèng kāi bèi bāo de jiān。
He squirmed out of the straps of his backpack.
Cultural Notes for 动身
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the act of setting off on a journey is often accompanied by rituals or sayings, such as wishing safe travels. This reflects the importance placed on journeys in Chinese traditions, whether for business or family visits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 动身
Yes, 动身 can be used for both short and long journeys.
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in spoken language.
动身 emphasizes the act of starting a journey, while 离开 simply means 'to leave'.
