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| 行动 [2025/08/13 00:30] – created xiaoer | 行动 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1 |
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| ====== xíngdòng: 行动 - Action, Operation, Move ====== | |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | |
| * **Keywords:** 行动, xingdong, Chinese word for action, take action in Chinese, Chinese for operation, move, campaign, act, xing dong meaning, learning Chinese, HSK 4 | |
| * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **行动 (xíngdòng)**, which translates to "action," "operation," or "move." This page breaks down its meaning, from a planned military operation to a personal call to "get moving!" Discover how **行动 (xíngdòng)** is used in business, daily conversation, and official contexts, and understand its cultural importance in a society that values doing over just saying. Perfect for HSK 4 learners and anyone wanting to speak more decisive and impactful Chinese. | |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** xíngdòng | |
| * **Part of Speech:** Noun, Verb | |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 | |
| * **Concise Definition:** A deliberate action, operation, or movement, or the act of taking action. | |
| * **In a Nutshell:** **行动 (xíngdòng)** is about purposeful movement and getting things done. Think of it as the step you take after you've made a plan. It can be a large-scale "operation" (like a police or military action) or a personal "action" (like starting a new diet). The core idea is shifting from thought or speech into tangible doing. | |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | |
| * **行 (xíng):** This character originally depicted an intersection of streets. Its core meaning is "to go," "to walk," or "to do/perform." Think of it as the "act" or "execution" part of the word. | |
| * **动 (dòng):** This character means "to move." It's composed of 云 (yún - cloud) over 力 (lì - power/strength). Imagine the power needed to move something as significant as a cloud. It represents motion and activity. | |
| * **Together, 行动 (xíngdòng)** literally means "to perform a movement" or "to act and move." This combination creates a powerful word that emphasizes deliberate, goal-oriented action, distinguishing it from simple, aimless movement. | |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | |
| In Chinese culture, there's a strong emphasis on pragmatism and results. The proverb **言行一致 (yán xíng yī zhì)**, meaning "one's words and actions are consistent," is a highly respected virtue. **行动 (xíngdòng)** is the "行" (action) part of this equation. It embodies the cultural expectation that talk should be backed up by deeds. | |
| A good comparison to a Western concept is the difference between "action" and "operation." While "action" in English can be very general (e.g., "a chemical action," "a piece of the action"), **行动 (xíngdòng)** often carries the weight of a planned, organized "operation." When a company talks about its **市场行动 (shìchǎng xíngdòng)** (market action), it feels more like a strategic "marketing operation" than just a casual activity. This reflects a cultural preference for structured, purposeful execution rather than just spontaneous acts. It's less about "just do it" and more about "let's execute the plan." | |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | |
| **行动 (xíngdòng)** is a versatile word used across many domains. | |
| * **As a Noun (An Action/Operation):** This is very common when referring to a specific, planned event. | |
| * **Official Use:** Police or military contexts frequently use **行动** to mean "operation." E.g., 抓捕**行动** (zhuābǔ **xíngdòng**) - arrest operation. | |
| * **Business Use:** It can mean a campaign, initiative, or strategic move. E.g., 促销**行动** (cùxiāo **xíngdòng**) - sales promotion campaign. | |
| * **Social Use:** For social or environmental initiatives. E.g., 环保**行动** (huánbǎo **xíngdòng**) - environmental protection initiative. | |
| * **As a Verb (To Act/To Get Moving):** This is often a call to action or a statement of intent. | |
| * **Formal:** 必须采取**行动** (bìxū cǎiqǔ **xíngdòng**) - must take action. | |
| * **Informal / Motivational:** **行动**起来！ (**xíngdòng** qǐlái!) - Let's get moving! / Time to act! | |
| * **Describing Physical Ability:** In a more literal sense, it can refer to one's physical mobility. | |
| * **行动**不便 (**xíngdòng** bùbiàn) - to have difficulty moving around; mobility problems. | |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | |
| * **Example 1:** | |
| * 我们必须立即**行动**，否则就太晚了。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū lìjí **xíngdòng**, fǒuzé jiù tài wǎn le. | |
| * English: We must take action immediately, otherwise it will be too late. | |
| * Analysis: Here, **行动** is used as a verb meaning "to take action." It conveys a sense of urgency. | |
| * **Example 2:** | |
| * 这次成功的救援**行动**救了很多人。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zhè cì chénggōng de jiùyuán **xíngdòng** jiùle hěn duō rén. | |
| * English: This successful rescue operation saved many people. | |
| * Analysis: **行动** is used as a noun for "operation," highlighting an organized, large-scale effort. | |
| * **Example 3:** | |
| * 光说不做不是好习惯，重要的是**行动**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Guāng shuō bù zuò bùshì hǎo xíguàn, zhòngyào de shì **xíngdòng**. | |
| * English: Just talking without doing is not a good habit; what's important is action. | |
| * Analysis: This sentence perfectly illustrates the cultural value placed on **行动** (action) over mere words. | |
| * **Example 4:** | |
| * 爷爷年纪大了，**行动**有些不便。 | |
| * Pinyin: Yéye niánjì dà le, **xíngdòng** yǒuxiē bùbiàn. | |
| * English: Grandpa is old, so his mobility is a bit impaired. | |
| * Analysis: This shows the literal meaning of **行动** related to physical movement. "行动不便" is a common set phrase. | |
| * **Example 5:** | |
| * 警方正在计划一次秘密**行动**来打击犯罪。 | |
| * Pinyin: Jǐngfāng zhèngzài jìhuà yī cì mìmì **xíngdòng** lái dǎjī fànzuì. | |
| * English: The police are planning a secret operation to crack down on crime. | |
| * Analysis: A classic example of **行动** in a formal, official context, meaning "operation." | |
| * **Example 6:** | |
| * 思想上的巨人，**行动**上的矮子。 | |
| * Pinyin: Sīxiǎng shàng de jùrén, **xíngdòng** shàng de ǎizi. | |
| * English: A giant in thought, a dwarf in action. | |
| * Analysis: A common saying that criticizes people who have great ideas but never act on them. It highlights the contrast between thought and **行动**. | |
| * **Example 7:** | |
| * 我们的下一个**行动**计划是进入欧洲市场。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒmen de xià yī gè **xíngdòng** jìhuà shì jìnrù Ōuzhōu shìchǎng. | |
| * English: Our next action plan is to enter the European market. | |
| * Analysis: In a business context, **行动** is often part of a larger plan or strategy. "行动计划" means "action plan." | |
| * **Example 8:** | |
| * 让我们**行动**起来，把这个城市打扫干净！ | |
| * Pinyin: Ràng wǒmen **xíngdòng** qǐlái, bǎ zhège chéngshì dǎsǎo gānjìng! | |
| * English: Let's get moving and clean up this city! | |
| * Analysis: The phrase "**行动**起来" is a powerful and common motivational call to action. | |
| * **Example 9:** | |
| * 他是一个**行动**派，想到了就会马上去做。 | |
| * Pinyin: Tā shì yī gè **xíngdòng** pài, xiǎng dào le jiù huì mǎshàng qù zuò. | |
| * English: He is a man of action; as soon as he thinks of something, he does it immediately. | |
| * Analysis: "**行动**派" (xíngdòng pài) is a great term for a "doer" or a "man/woman of action." | |
| * **Example 10:** | |
| * 公司决定采取法律**行动**来保护自己的权益。 | |
| * Pinyin: Gōngsī juédìng cǎiqǔ fǎlǜ **xíngdòng** lái bǎohù zìjǐ de quányì. | |
| * English: The company decided to take legal action to protect its rights and interests. | |
| * Analysis: The phrase "采取行动" (cǎiqǔ xíngdòng - to take action) is a very common and slightly formal collocation. | |
| ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== | |
| A frequent point of confusion for learners is the difference between **行动 (xíngdòng)**, **动作 (dòngzuò)**, and **活动 (huódòng)**. | |
| * **行动 (xíngdòng) vs. 动作 (dòngzuò) - Operation vs. Movement** | |
| * **行动 (xíngdòng)** is a larger, more complex, and purposeful action or operation. It involves a plan or goal. | |
| * **动作 (dòngzuò)** is a physical movement, a gesture, or a specific motion. It's about how the body moves. | |
| * **Correct:** 他的跳舞**动作**很帅。 (Tā de tiàowǔ **dòngzuò** hěn shuài.) - His dance moves are cool. | |
| * **Incorrect:** 他的跳舞**行动**很帅。 (This implies his "dance operation" was cool, which is nonsensical.) | |
| * **Correct:** 警察的抓捕**行动**很迅速。 (Jǐngchá de zhuābǔ **xíngdòng** hěn xùnsù.) - The police's arrest operation was very swift. | |
| * **Incorrect:** 警察的抓捕**动作**很迅速。 (This would only refer to the physical gesture of arresting, not the whole planned operation.) | |
| * **行动 (xíngdòng) vs. 活动 (huódòng) - Operation vs. Activity** | |
| * **行动 (xíngdòng)** is a goal-oriented action, often to solve a problem or achieve a specific result. | |
| * **活动 (huódòng)** is an "activity" or "event," often for recreation, social purposes, or promotion. It's broader and less intense. | |
| * **Correct:** 周末我们有什么**活动**吗？ (Zhōumò wǒmen yǒu shéme **huódòng** ma?) - Do we have any activities this weekend? | |
| * **Incorrect:** 周末我们有什么**行动**吗？ (This sounds strange, as if you are planning a mission for the weekend.) | |
| * **Correct:** 这次促销**活动**吸引了很多顾客。(Zhè cì cùxiāo **huódòng** xīyǐnle hěn duō gùkè.) - This promotional event attracted a lot of customers. (You could also say 促销行动, but 活动 is more common for a general event). | |
| ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== | |
| * [[动作]] (dòngzuò) - A physical movement or gesture. More specific and physical than **行动**. | |
| * [[活动]] (huódòng) - An activity, event, or campaign. Broader and often more social or recreational than **行动**. | |
| * [[行为]] (xíngwéi) - Behavior or conduct. Refers to a person's general pattern of actions over time, often with a moral dimension. | |
| * [[采取]] (cǎiqǔ) - To adopt or to take (a measure, policy, or action). Very often used together as [[采取行动]] (cǎiqǔ xíngdòng). | |
| * [[行动力]] (xíngdònglì) - A person's drive, initiative, or ability to get things done. | |
| * [[实践]] (shíjiàn) - Practice; to put into practice. Similar to **行动**, but with a stronger emphasis on applying theory or knowledge. | |
| * [[操作]] (cāozuò) - To operate (a machine); an operation (surgical, technical). More technical and mechanical than **行动**. | |
| * [[言行一致]] (yán xíng yī zhì) - An idiom: "one's words match one's actions." A highly valued trait related to **行动**. | |