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March 24, 2026
发动(發動)fādòng(fa1dong4)
The term '发动' refers to the act of starting or initiating something, often used in contexts like launching a project, mobilizing resources, or arousing emotions. It can imply an energetic or forceful beginning, whether in machinery, events, or social movements.
Frequency#3417DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
'发动' is often used in political contexts in China, such as '发动群众' (mobilizing the masses), reflecting the historical importance of collective action and social movements in Chinese history.
Memory Tip
Imagine a car engine (发动机) that 'starts' (发) with a powerful 'dong' sound. Visualize the engine revving up, symbolizing the initiation of movement or action, thus connecting the sound of 'dong' with the idea of starting something significant.
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AI Study Notes for 发动
Quick Contrast
启动 (qǐdòng) vs 发动 (fādòng): Use '发动' for a more forceful initiation, while '启动' suggests a more general or mechanical start.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a car engine (发动机) that 'starts' (发) with a powerful 'dong' sound. Visualize the engine revving up, symbolizing the initiation of movement or action, thus connecting the sound of 'dong' with the idea of starting something significant.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '发动' with similar verbs like '开始' (to begin), as '发动' often carries a connotation of mobilization or activation. This term is more commonly used in formal or literary contexts, so ensure the tone matches the context in which you are speaking or writing.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, '发动' connects with other advanced terms that deal with initiating actions or processes. Focus on contexts where '发动' is used in discussions about projects, movements, or emotional responses to better grasp its nuances.
Cultural Note
'发动' is often used in political contexts in China, such as '发动群众' (mobilizing the masses), reflecting the historical importance of collective action and social movements in Chinese history.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '发动' with '启动' (to start up), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我启动了项目' instead of '我发动了项目' misses the nuance of mobilizing efforts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 发动
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Grammar Patterns of 发动
发动 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.
The colonel ordered, "I want two good engines down here asap."
Cultural Notes for 发动
🏮Cultural insight
'发动' is often used in political contexts in China, such as '发动群众' (mobilizing the masses), reflecting the historical importance of collective action and social movements in Chinese history.
Frequently Asked Questions about 发动
'发动' is generally used in more formal contexts, such as discussions about projects or initiatives, rather than casual conversations.
'发动' can be used for both mechanical (like starting a vehicle) and abstract contexts (like arousing public interest), so its use is quite broad.
'开始' (to begin) is a common synonym, but it lacks the mobilizing connotation of '发动', which implies a stronger initiation.
