动不动 (dòng bu dòng) — (adverb) easily, at the drop of a hat (typically followed by 就, used for negative actions)
Definition
Adverb meaning 'at the drop of a hat' — describes someone who does something repeatedly or habitually, almost always followed by 就. Unlike 轻易 (which emphasizes lack of difficulty), 动不动 highlights frequency or habit, often in a negative sense.
adverb
easilyat the drop of a hat (typically followed by 就, used for negative actions)
Examples
- 动不动，。Tā dòng bu dòng jiù qǐng jià, tóng shì dōu yǒu yì jiàn le.He asks for leave at the drop of a hat, and his colleagues are starting to complain.
- 动不动，。Zhè hái zi dòng bu dòng jiù kū, zhēn ná tā méi bàn fǎ.This child cries at the drop of a hat – there's really no way to deal with him.
- 动不动，。Tā men dòng bu dòng jiù chǎo jià, lín jū dōu shòu bù liǎo le.They start arguing at the drop of a hat, and the neighbors can't take it anymore.
Appears in
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