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轰动 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
轰动hōngdòngto cause a sensationHSK 7, v, rank #8303, Hard
轰动hōngdòngto create a stir in (a place)HSK 7, unknown, rank #8303, Hard
轰动hōngdòngcommotionHSK 7, unknown, rank #8303, Hard
轰动hōngdòngcontroversyHSK 7, unknown, rank #8303, Hard
hōngdòng(hong1dong4) T1
  1. 1to cause a sensation
  2. 2to create a stir in (a place)
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March 24, 2026
轰动(轟動)hōngdòng(hong1dong4)

轰动 (hōngdòng) refers to an event or action that causes a significant stir or sensation, often attracting widespread attention or controversy. It is commonly used in contexts related to news, entertainment, or social events that evoke strong reactions from the public.

Frequency#8303DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese society, a '轰动' event often involves high-profile figures or issues that resonate deeply with public sentiment, such as celebrity scandals or political controversies. Such events can dominate social media discussions and news cycles.

Memory Tip

Imagine a loud explosion (轰, hōng) causing a ripple effect that shakes the ground (动, dòng) around it. This image connects the sound of '轰' with the movement or stir created, helping you remember the pronunciation and meaning of '轰动'.

Meanings of 轰动

hōngdòng(hong1dong4)
1to cause a sensation
2to create a stir in (a place)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 轰动

轰动Simplified
轟動Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#8303Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 轰动

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Podcast: 轰动

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AI Study Notes for 轰动

Quick Contrast

引起 (yǐnqǐ) - use 轰动 when the event causes a widespread sensation, while 引起 suggests simply causing or triggering something without the same level of public impact.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a loud explosion (轰, hōng) causing a ripple effect that shakes the ground (动, dòng) around it. This image connects the sound of '轰' with the movement or stir created, helping you remember the pronunciation and meaning of '轰动'.

Usage Notes

轰动 is often used in formal contexts, such as news reports or academic discussions. Be careful not to confuse it with similar words like '影响' (yǐngxiǎng, to influence), which has a broader meaning. A common collocation is '轰动一时' (hōngdòng yī shí), meaning to cause a sensation for a period of time.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 轰动 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to news and media. Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe events or movements that attract public interest, ensuring they understand its nuance in various contexts.

Cultural Note

In Chinese society, a '轰动' event often involves high-profile figures or issues that resonate deeply with public sentiment, such as celebrity scandals or political controversies. Such events can dominate social media discussions and news cycles.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 轰动 in everyday conversation, thinking it can describe any event. For example, saying '这件事不轰动' (this matter is not sensational) when it should be '这件事不重要' (this matter is not important) may convey the wrong meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 轰动

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Component Characters

轰hōngexplosion
HSK 78 strokes车
View full entry
动dòngto use
HSK 26 strokes力
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Write 轰动

轰
动

Practice writing 轰动 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 轰动

轰动 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 4 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

这本新书引起了巨大____.

The new book has created a great sensation.

Example Sentences for 轰动 (3)

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1
这本新书引起了巨大轰动.

zhè běn xīn shū yǐn qǐ le jù dà hōng dòng.

The new book has created a great sensation.
2
这一罪行在全国上下引起一片轰动。

zhè yī zuì háng zài quán guó shàng xià yǐn qǐ yī piàn hōng dòng。

The crime sent shock waves throughout the country.
3
甚至他骑摩托车在新奥尔良撞桥身亡的事也轰动一时。

shèn zhì tā qí mó tuō chē zài xīn ào ěr liáng zhuàng qiáo shēn wáng de shì yě hōng dòng yī shí。

Even his death, after crashing his motorcycle on a bridge in New Orleans, was spectacular.

Cultural Notes for 轰动

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese society, a '轰动' event often involves high-profile figures or issues that resonate deeply with public sentiment, such as celebrity scandals or political controversies. Such events can dominate social media discussions and news cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions about 轰动

You can say '这部电影在上映时引起了轰动' which means 'This movie caused a sensation upon its release.'