动不动 dòngbudòng apt to (lose one's temper, catch a cold etc)
(typically followed by 就) apt to (lose one's temper, catch a cold etc); at the drop of a hat
How to remember 动不动: 动 move + 不 not = apt to (lose one's temper, catch a cold etc).
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How it is used
- 'At the drop of a hat / for no good reason, constantly' - marks an over-frequent, easily-triggered reaction - 他动不动就发脾气 (tā dòngbudòng jiù fā píqi) he loses his temper at the slightest thing.
- Almost always followed by 就; carries mild annoyance/criticism.
- Colloquial; describes a person's over-ready habit, not a one-off.