adjective / verb HSK 5
Traditional 動盪
dòng dàng
turbulent · unstable · upheaval · turmoil

Meaning

动荡 describes a state of instability, turbulence, or unrest, often referring to social, political, or economic situations. It conveys the sense of significant fluctuation and uncertainty. The word can function as an adjective to describe turbulent conditions or as a verb meaning to experience upheaval.

Usage

Commonly used in news, historical accounts, and formal discussions about political situations, economies, or periods of social unrest. It typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting disorder and lack of stability. Often paired with periods of time or social conditions.

Examples

  1. 01
    那个国家经历了长期的政治动荡
    Nàge guó jiā jīng le cháng de zhèng zhì dòng dàng.
    That country experienced prolonged political turmoil.
  2. 02
    经济动荡给普通老百姓的生活带来了很大影响。
    Jīng dòng dàng gěi tōng lǎo bǎi xìng de shēng huó dài lái le hěn yǐng xiǎng.
    Economic turbulence had a major impact on ordinary people's lives.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 社会动荡
    shè huì dòng dàng
    social turbulence
  • 政治动荡
    zhèng zhì dòng dàng
    political turmoil
  • 动荡不安
    dòng dàng ān
    turbulent and restless
  • 局势动荡
    shì dòng dàng
    turbulent situation

Antonyms

Origin

The combination of 动 (movement) and 荡 (swaying/shaking) creates a vivid image of things being shaken or swayed back and forth, metaphorically representing instability and turbulence.

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