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March 24, 2026
鼓动(鼓動)gǔdòng(gu3dong4)
鼓动 (gǔdòng) means to stimulate or incite someone to take action, often in a passionate or enthusiastic manner. It is commonly used in contexts involving motivation, encouragement, or even agitation, such as in social movements or political contexts. The nuance can vary from positive encouragement to negative incitement, depending on the situation.
Frequency#17295DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, 鼓动 often reflects the role of leaders and activists in mobilizing the public during significant events, such as the May Fourth Movement. The word embodies the cultural importance of collective action and grassroots movements in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a drummer (鼓) beating a rhythm to get a crowd moving (动). As the drum echoes through the air, it stirs the audience's emotions, making them excited and ready to act. This visual of drumming can help you remember both the meaning of the word and how to pronounce it.
Meanings of 鼓动
gǔdòng(gu3dong4)
1to agitate
2to arouse
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 鼓动
鼓动Simplified
鼓動Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#17295Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 鼓动
Podcast: 鼓动
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AI Study Notes for 鼓动
Quick Contrast
煽动 (shāndòng) is often used in contexts with a more negative connotation of incitement, while 鼓动 (gǔdòng) can imply positive motivation.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a drummer (鼓) beating a rhythm to get a crowd moving (动). As the drum echoes through the air, it stirs the audience's emotions, making them excited and ready to act. This visual of drumming can help you remember both the meaning of the word and how to pronounce it.
Usage Notes
鼓动 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts but may carry a negative connotation if it implies incitement to violence or unrest. Be cautious with collocations, as it often pairs with words like '情感' (emotion) or '群众' (public). Watch out for the tonal pronunciation to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 鼓动 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to emotions, motivation, and social interactions. Students should focus on using it in context, especially in discussions about social issues or political movements, to reinforce understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese history, 鼓动 often reflects the role of leaders and activists in mobilizing the public during significant events, such as the May Fourth Movement. The word embodies the cultural importance of collective action and grassroots movements in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 鼓动 with 煽动 (shāndòng), which has a stronger negative connotation. For example, saying '他煽动大家' (He incited everyone) when you meant to use 鼓动 can imply a more aggressive meaning. Always choose based on the intended nuance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 鼓动
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Grammar Patterns of 鼓动
鼓动 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
她被他那率直、富有____性的口才迷住了。
She was struck by his simple, spellbinding eloquence.
Example Sentences for 鼓动 (4)
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1
她被他那率直、富有鼓动性的口才迷住了。
tā bèi tā nà shuài zhí、 、 fù yǒu gǔ dòng xìng de kǒu cái mí zhù。
She was struck by his simple, spellbinding eloquence.
2
在库哈里的鼓动下，他到餐馆做了厨师学徒。
zài kù hā lǐ de gǔ dòng xià， ， tā dào cān guǎn zuò le chú shī xué。
At Kukhar's instigation he joined the restaurant as an apprentice chef.
3
英国旅游公司正鼓动客户到更远的地方去旅游。
yīng guó lǚ yóu gōng sī zhèng gǔ dòng kè hù dào gēng yuǎn de dì fāng qù lǚ yóu。
British tour companies are nudging clients to travel further afield.
4
不要受别人的鼓动而参与某事, 要三思而后行.
bù yào shòu bié rén de gǔ dòng ér cān yǔ mǒu shì, , yào sān sī ér hòu.
Don't let anyone rush you into joining ; think it over.
Cultural Notes for 鼓动
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese history, 鼓动 often reflects the role of leaders and activists in mobilizing the public during significant events, such as the May Fourth Movement. The word embodies the cultural importance of collective action and grassroots movements in Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 鼓动
Yes, 鼓动 can be used positively to describe motivating or inspiring people, such as encouraging engagement in community service.
Synonyms include 激励 (jīlì), which means to inspire or encourage, and 煽动 (shāndòng), which can imply incitement, often with a more negative connotation.
You can say '他鼓动大家参加这个活动' (He urged everyone to participate in this event) to illustrate its usage.
