动手 dòngshǒu to set about (a task)
to set about (a task); to raise a hand to hit somebody; to touch; to handle (typically used in cautioning somebody *not* to touch something)
How to remember 动手: 动 move + 手 hand = to set about (a task).
Characters
How it is used
- To start doing a hands-on task - 早点动手 (zǎodiǎn dòngshǒu) get started early; 自己动手 (zìjǐ dòngshǒu) do it yourself.
- A second meaning is to hit / get physical: 别动手！(bié dòngshǒu!) don't get violent!; 他先动手的 (tā xiān dòngshǒu de) he threw the first punch.
- Separable verb - you can split it: 动过手 (dòng guo shǒu) have taken action / come to blows.
Example sentences
- 医生决定立刻动手术。 Yīshēng juédìng lìkè dòngshǒushù.The doctor decided to operate at once.