惊动 jīngdòng to alarm
to alarm; to startle; to disturb
How to remember 惊动: 惊 frighten + 动 move = to alarm.
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How it is used
- To disturb/alarm someone by your action - startle them into notice - 别惊动他，他在睡觉 (bié jīngdòng tā, tā zài shuìjiào) don't disturb him, he's asleep.
- Often a polite "trouble/bother": 这点小事惊动您了 (…) sorry to have troubled you over such a trifle.
- Implies your presence/noise breaks someone's peace or draws attention (e.g. 惊动了警察, alerted the police).