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March 24, 2026
惊动(驚動)jīngdòng(jing1dong4)
惊动 (jīngdòng) refers to causing a disturbance or alarm, often implying that something unexpected has occurred that disrupts the norm. It is commonly used in contexts where a sudden change or event has startled or alerted people, such as in news reports or personal conversations about surprising events.
Frequency#15798DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of disturbing or alarming someone is often tied to societal harmony; causing a disturbance can be viewed negatively, reflecting the importance placed on maintaining peace and order in communities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sudden loud noise startling a sleeping dog, causing it to jump and bark. The '惊' (jīng) part looks like a person with wide eyes, surprised, while '动' (dòng) represents movement. Together, they evoke the image of someone being startled into action.
Meanings of 惊动
jīngdòng(jing1dong4)
1alarm
2alert
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 惊动
惊动Simplified
驚動Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#15798Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 惊动
Podcast: 惊动
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AI Study Notes for 惊动
Quick Contrast
惊扰 (jīngrǎo) implies causing disturbance, often with a focus on annoyance, while 惊动 (jīngdòng) emphasizes the element of surprise or alarm.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sudden loud noise startling a sleeping dog, causing it to jump and bark. The '惊' (jīng) part looks like a person with wide eyes, surprised, while '动' (dòng) represents movement. Together, they evoke the image of someone being startled into action.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 惊动 with similar words like 惊喜 (jīngxǐ, surprise), which has a more positive connotation. This term is more formal and may not be suitable for casual conversations. Common collocations include 惊动了 (disturbed) and 造成惊动 (caused an alarm).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 惊动 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to emotions and reactions, such as 感动 (gǎndòng, to be moved) or 激动 (jīdòng, excited). Focus on its usage in different contexts to better understand its nuances.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of disturbing or alarming someone is often tied to societal harmony; causing a disturbance can be viewed negatively, reflecting the importance placed on maintaining peace and order in communities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 惊动 interchangeably with 惊喜, leading to confusion. For example, saying '我很惊动' (I am very startled) instead of '我很惊喜' (I am very surprised) changes the meaning significantly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 惊动
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Grammar Patterns of 惊动
惊动 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 6 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 2
Complete the Sentence
我们____了一只一直在路边觅食的野猪。
We disturbed a wild boar that had been foraging by the roadside.
Example Sentences for 惊动 (2)
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1
我们惊动了一只一直在路边觅食的野猪。
wǒ mén jīng dòng le yī zhī yī zhí zài lù biān mì shí de yě zhū。
We disturbed a wild boar that had been foraging by the roadside.
2
旁观者惊动了, 因为他以一种骇人的突然猛抱住了她.
páng guān zhě jīng dòng le, , yīn wéi tā yǐ yī zhǒng hài rén de tū rán měng bào zhù le.
The spectators startled, as he turned upon her with a frightful suddenness.
Cultural Notes for 惊动
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of disturbing or alarming someone is often tied to societal harmony; causing a disturbance can be viewed negatively, reflecting the importance placed on maintaining peace and order in communities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 惊动
While it can be used, it is more commonly found in formal contexts or written Chinese, such as news articles.
No, 惊动 typically conveys a negative or disruptive feeling, unlike 惊喜 which is positive.
You can say: '这个消息惊动了整个社区' (This news alarmed the entire community).
