Definition
动不动 (dòng bu dòng) is an adverb meaning 'easily, at the drop of a hat', but it always describes a negative or undesirable action that happens frequently. It's often paired with 就 and implies annoyance. 轻易 (qīng yì) means 'easily' too, but is neutral and used in negative sentences ('not easily'); 动不动 is about a bad habit, not mere ease.
adverb
easilyat the drop of a hat (typically followed by 就, used for negative actions)
Examples
- 动不动，。Tā dòng bu dòng jiù qǐngjià, tóngshì dōu yǒu yìjiàn le.He asks for leave at the drop of a hat, and his colleagues are starting to complain.
- 动不动，。Zhè háizi dòng bu dòng jiù kū, zhēn ná tā méi bànfǎ.This child cries at the drop of a hat – there's really no way to deal with him.
- 动不动，。Tāmen dòng bu dòng jiù chǎojià, línjū dōu shòu bù liǎo le.They start arguing at the drop of a hat, and the neighbors can't take it anymore.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.