动 (dòng) — to move; to change position; to touch

At HSK 2, 动 means 'to move' (change position) or 'to touch' — concrete physical actions. Don't confuse with 使用 or 利用, which mean 'to use' in a more abstract sense.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 動; 动 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 動 uses 力 (strength) and 重 as a sound part; 重 refers to a heavy bag ready to be moved by a human. This note is about 動, not 动.