Definition
震动 (zhèn dòng) means 'to shake, vibrate' physically (e.g., an earthquake) and also 'to shock, affect deeply' emotionally. For regular, repeated oscillation (like a machine), use 振动 (zhèn dòng) instead. Figuratively, 震动 is strong but less overwhelming than 震撼 (zhèn hàn 'to stun').
verb
to shaketo vibrate (physically)to shockto strongly affect (emotionally or socially)
Easily confused
- 振动zhèn dònglook-aliketo vibrate, to shake
Examples
- 震动。Dìzhèn shí zhěng dòng lóu dōu zài zhèn dòng.The whole building was shaking during the earthquake.
- 震动，。Shǒujī zhèn dòng le yíxià, wǒ mǎshàng kàn le xiāoxi.My phone vibrated once, and I immediately checked the message.
- 震动。Zhège bēijù zhèn dòng le suǒyǒu rén de xīn.This tragedy shook everyone's heart.
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