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动不动

dòng bu dòng

HSK 7–9

Meaning

  • (typically followed by 就[jiu4]) apt to (lose one's temper, catch a cold etc)
  • at the drop of a hat

Definition

表示很容易发生某种动作或情况。

easily; frequently (used to indicate a tendency to do something often, sometimes with negative connotation).

Usage

通常放在动词前，表示某人很容易做出某个动作或产生某种情况，常带贬义或不满。

Used before a verb to indicate that someone tends to do something easily or often, often with a tone of annoyance.

Examples

  • 1 他动不动就发脾气，让人很难相处。 (He easily loses his temper, making it hard to get along with him.)
  • 2 孩子动不动就哭，真是没办法。 (The child cries at the drop of a hat; it's really helpless.)
  • 3 老板动不动就骂人，员工都很害怕。 (The boss scolds people easily, and the employees are all scared.)
  • 4 天气动不动就下雨，真烦人。 (The weather rains easily; it's really annoying.)
  • 5 电脑动不动就死机，得换一台了。 (The computer crashes easily; it's time to get a new one.)

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