动身 (dòngshēn) · to set out

动身 (dòngshēn) means “to set out; to leave (on a journey)”. It is written with 2 characters: 动 (to move) + 身 (body). It is an old HSK 6 word (HSK 2.0).

How 动身 is built

The characters

动 dòng · to move

What 动 is made of

云yún — cloud
- 二 — two strokes
  - 一 — horizontal stroke
  - 一 — horizontal stroke
- 厶sī — private
力lì — strength
- 丿 — falling stroke

Origin hint: strength (from the Make Me a Hanzi dataset; treat as a memory aid where history is uncertain)

身 shēn · body

What 身 is made of

身 is not built from smaller parts; it is written with 7 strokes.

Origin hint: A pregnant woman (from the Make Me a Hanzi dataset; treat as a memory aid where history is uncertain)

Example sentences

我们明天一早动身。Wǒmen míngtiān yīzǎo dòngshēn.We'll set out early tomorrow.

你什么时候动身去上海？Nǐ shénme shíhou dòngshēn qù Shànghǎi?When are you leaving for Shanghai?

Questions about 动身

What does 动身 mean?

动身 (dòngshēn) means “to set out; to leave (on a journey)”.

How do you pronounce 动身?

动身 is pronounced dòngshēn.

Which HSK level is 动身?

动身 is in Old HSK 6.

Related words

Learn 动身 with its group

It is part of Old HSK 6 · Group 45: a short group with quick checks and spaced repeats.

Open the group