Definition
动手 (dòng shǒu) is a separable verb (离合词) with two main senses: 'to start working on a task' and 'to hit/strike with hands'. For starting a task, it is more colloquial and common in everyday speech than the formal 着手 (zhuó shǒu). For hitting, 动手 implies using one's hands aggressively in a fight, while 打 (dǎ) is a general verb for striking and other actions, and 拳 (quán) specifically means 'punch with a fist'.
verb
to start working onto set about (a task)to hitto strike (with hands)to touch (with hands)
Examples
- 动手，。Dàjiā yìqǐ lái dòng shǒu ba, zǎo diǎn zuò wán.Let's all start working on it together and finish early.
- ，。Tā xiān dòng de shǒu, bú shì wǒ de cuò.He struck first; it wasn't my fault.
- ，动手。Zhǎnpǐn hěn zhēnguì, qǐng wù dòng shǒu.The exhibits are very precious; please do not touch.
Browse more HSK 5 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.