发动 fādòng to start
to start; to launch; to unleash; to mobilize; to arouse
How to remember 发动: 发 send out + 动 move = to start.
Characters
How it is used
- To launch/start/set in motion - 发动战争 (fādòng zhànzhēng) start a war, 发动机器 (fādòng jīqì) start a machine, 发动群众 (fādòng qúnzhòng) mobilize the masses.
- Two threads: mechanically starting an engine, and initiating/mobilizing a large action or people.
- Related noun 发动机 (fādòngjī) engine/motor. Contrast 启动 (qǐdòng), start up a system/program.
Example sentences
- 发动机坏掉了。 Fādòngjī huàidiào le.The engine died.
- 汤姆没法发动他的车。 Tāngmǔ méifǎ fādòng tā de chē.Tom can't get his car started.