Definition
动荡 (dòngdàng) describes large-scale social or political turmoil, instability, or upheaval — it is used for countries, markets, or periods of unrest. Unlike 乱 (luàn), which is a broader, everyday word for any kind of chaos or mess (including physical disorder), 动荡 has a more formal, serious tone and is specific to systemic instability. It also differs from 不安 (bù'ān, personal unease) and 风云 (fēngyún, a literary metaphor for turbulent times).
verb
to be in turmoilto be unstable
adjective
turbulentunstableunsettled
Examples
- 动荡。Zhège guójiā chángqī chǔyú dòng dàng zhī zhōng.This country has been in turmoil for a long time.
- 动荡。dòng dàng de júshì ràng tóuzīzhě gǎndào dānyōu.The turbulent situation makes investors worried.
- 动荡，。Tā de shēnghuó yìzhí hěn dòng dàng, méiyǒu wěndìng xiàlái.His life has been very unstable, without settling down.
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