触动 chùdòng to touch
to touch; to stir up (trouble or emotions); to move (somebody's emotions or worry)
How to remember 触动: 触 to butt + 动 move = to touch.
Characters
How it is used
- To touch/stir emotions, or to nudge/affect something - 触动心弦 (chùdòng xīnxián) tug at the heartstrings; 触动了他的利益 (chùdòng le tā de lìyì) affected his interests.
- The emotional sense (to move/stir feelings) is common and warm; the second sense implies disturbing established interests.
- Contrast 感动 (gǎndòng, to be moved to feeling): 触动 is a lighter stirring/nudge.
Example sentences
- 他的话深深触动了我们。 Tā dehuà shēnshēn chùdòng le wǒmen.His speech impressed us very much.
- 他悲伤的故事触动了我的心。 Tā bēishāng de gùshì chùdòng le wǒ de xīn.His sad story touched my heart.