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March 24, 2026
动荡(動盪)dòngdàng(dong4dang4)
动荡 (dòng dàng) refers to a state of unrest or turmoil, often associated with social or political upheaval. It conveys a sense of instability and disruption, commonly used in discussions about societal changes, protests, or crises. The term can also describe personal emotional turmoil, though it is more frequently used in a broader societal context.
Frequency#18604DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 动荡 is particularly relevant in the context of Chinese history, where periods of political upheaval, such as the Cultural Revolution, have significantly shaped modern society. It reflects the delicate balance between stability and change in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'dancing storm' where everything is in chaos; the '动' (dòng) sounds like 'dong' which can remind you of a bell tolling amidst the commotion, while '荡' (dàng) evokes the image of waves rolling over each other, symbolizing unrest.
Meanings of 动荡
dòngdàng(dong4dang4)
1unrest (social or political)
2turmoil
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 动荡
动荡Simplified
動盪Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#18604Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 动荡
Podcast: 动荡
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AI Study Notes for 动荡
Quick Contrast
动乱 (dòngluàn) - use 动荡 (dòngdàng) for a broader sense of instability or unrest, while 动乱 (dòngluàn) emphasizes chaotic disorder.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'dancing storm' where everything is in chaos; the '动' (dòng) sounds like 'dong' which can remind you of a bell tolling amidst the commotion, while '荡' (dàng) evokes the image of waves rolling over each other, symbolizing unrest.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 动荡 with other terms that imply stability or peace, as they are antonyms. This word is often used in formal contexts, such as news reports or academic discussions. Common collocations include '社会动荡' (social unrest) and '政治动荡' (political turmoil).
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should focus on using 动荡 in complex sentences to express nuanced ideas about societal issues. This word is related to other terms like '稳定' (wěn dìng, stability) and '改革' (gǎi gé, reform), which are also crucial for understanding social dynamics.
Cultural Note
The concept of 动荡 is particularly relevant in the context of Chinese history, where periods of political upheaval, such as the Cultural Revolution, have significantly shaped modern society. It reflects the delicate balance between stability and change in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 动荡 with 平静 (píng jìng, calm), thinking they can use them interchangeably. Remember, 动荡 indicates a lack of calm or stability, not the presence of it.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 动荡
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Grammar Patterns of 动荡
动荡 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.
Exercise 1 of 3
Complete the Sentence
荷兰盾在外汇交易市场的____中保持坚挺。
During the turmoil in the foreign-exchange markets the guilder remained strong.
Example Sentences for 动荡 (3)
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1
荷兰盾在外汇交易市场的动荡中保持坚挺。
hé lán dùn zài wài huì jiāo yì shì cháng de dòng dàng zhōng bǎo chí jiān tǐng。
During the turmoil in the foreign-exchange markets the guilder remained strong.
There could be more unrest, but I wouldn't exaggerate the problems.
Cultural Notes for 动荡
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 动荡 is particularly relevant in the context of Chinese history, where periods of political upheaval, such as the Cultural Revolution, have significantly shaped modern society. It reflects the delicate balance between stability and change in Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about 动荡
动荡 specifically refers to unrest or turmoil, while 变化 (biàn huà) means change in a more neutral sense.
While it primarily refers to societal or political situations, it can metaphorically describe personal emotional turmoil.
动荡 is generally considered a formal term, often used in academic or news contexts.
