yùndòng: 运动 - Sports, Exercise, Movement

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• Summary: An essential HSK 3 word, 运动 (yùndòng) is a versatile Chinese term that primarily means “sports” or “exercise”. However, it also extends to the concept of a social or political “movement”. This page will break down its core meanings, from going for a run (做运动) to participating in the environmental movement (环保运动), helping you understand its cultural significance and use it accurately in everyday conversation.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yùndòng
• Part of Speech: Noun, Verb
• HSK Level: 3
• Concise Definition: To exercise; sports; physical activity; a movement (social, political, etc.).
• In a Nutshell: 运动 (yùndòng) captures the idea of purposeful motion. Think of it as the go-to word for anything involving physical exertion for health or recreation, like playing basketball or jogging. On a larger scale, it describes the collective “movement” of people towards a common goal, such as a political campaign or a social cause. The core idea is “organized movement.”

• 运 (yùn): This character's original meaning relates to transporting or moving something. Think of a truck carrying goods or the Earth revolving. It implies a sense of purpose and direction in the movement.
• 动 (dòng): This character simply means “to move” or “to be in motion.” It is the fundamental character for action and activity.
• When combined, 运动 (yùndòng) literally means “transport-move.” This combination creates a meaning that is more structured and purposeful than just simple motion. It's not just moving; it's moving for a reason—be it for health, for competition, or for social change.

In Chinese culture, 运动 (yùndòng) is deeply connected to the concept of 养生 (yǎngshēng), or nourishing life through mindful habits. This is why you see such a vibrant public exercise culture in China. Unlike the often individualistic, high-intensity gym culture popular in the West, Chinese 运动 is frequently communal and gentle. Parks in the morning and evening are filled with groups practicing 太极 (tàijí), and public squares come alive with the famous 广场舞 (guǎngchǎng wǔ), or “square dancing.” This approach emphasizes consistency, social connection, and long-term health over short-term aesthetic goals. For many, 运动 is less about “getting ripped” and more about maintaining balance, socializing with neighbors, and enjoying a daily routine. The term's second meaning, “movement,” is also significant. It's used to discuss major historical and social shifts, such as the 新文化运动 (Xīn Wénhuà Yùndòng), or New Culture Movement, which was a pivotal event in early 20th-century China. Understanding this dual meaning is key to grasping both daily life and historical discussions.

运动 is an extremely common word used in various contexts.

• As “Exercise” or “Sports” (Most Common):
  • In daily conversation, it's the default word for physical activity. You can use it as a verb (“to exercise”) or a noun (“sports”). It's neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. For example, a doctor will advise you to 多运动 (duō yùndòng - exercise more), and a friend might ask you 你喜欢什么运动？ (nǐ xǐhuān shénme yùndòng? - what sports do you like?).
• As a “Movement” (Social/Political):
  • This usage is more formal and typically found in news, academic texts, or discussions about history and current events. You won't use this meaning when chatting about your weekend plans. Examples include the 女权运动 (nǚquán yùndòng) - feminist movement, or 环保运动 (huánbǎo yùndòng) - environmental movement.

• Example 1:
  • 我爸爸每天早上都去公园运动。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bàba měitiān zǎoshang dōu qù gōngyuán yùndòng.
  • English: My dad goes to the park to exercise every morning.
  • Analysis: Here, 运动 is used as a verb meaning “to exercise.” This is a very typical daily life sentence.
• Example 2:
  • 你最喜欢的运动是什么？我最喜欢篮球。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zuì xǐhuān de yùndòng shì shénme? Wǒ zuì xǐhuān lánqiú.
  • English: What is your favorite sport? My favorite is basketball.
  • Analysis: Here, 运动 is a noun meaning “sport.” This is a classic icebreaker question.
• Example 3:
  • 医生说我应该多做运动，少看电视。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng shuō wǒ yīnggāi duō zuò yùndòng, shǎo kàn diànshì.
  • English: The doctor said I should exercise more and watch less TV.
  • Analysis: The phrase 做运动 (zuò yùndòng) is a very common way to say “to do exercise” or “to work out.” It treats 运动 as a noun.
• Example 4:
  • 适当的运动对身体健康很有好处。
  • Pinyin: Shìdàng de yùndòng duì shēntǐ jiànkāng hěn yǒu hǎochù.
  • English: Appropriate exercise is very good for one's health.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses 运动 as a noun in a more formal or advisory context, talking about the benefits of exercise.
• Example 5:
  • 他是一名职业运动员。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì yī míng zhíyè yùndòngyuán.
  • English: He is a professional athlete.
  • Analysis: This shows how 运动 acts as the root for other words. 运动员 (yùndòngyuán) literally means “sports person.”
• Example 6:
  • 我最近太忙了，根本没有时间运动。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zuìjìn tài máng le, gēnběn méiyǒu shíjiān yùndòng.
  • English: I've been too busy recently, I have absolutely no time to exercise.
  • Analysis: A common excuse! This uses 运动 as a verb, showing its flexibility.
• Example 7:
  • 这次运动会什么时候举行？
  • Pinyin: Zhè cì yùndònghuì shénme shíhòu jǔxíng?
  • English: When will this sports meet be held?
  • Analysis: 运动会 (yùndònghuì) means “sports meet” or “track-and-field event,” another common compound word.
• Example 8:
  • 全球性的环保运动越来越受到重视。
  • Pinyin: Quánqiú xìng de huánbǎo yùndòng yuèláiyuè shòudào zhòngshì.
  • English: The global environmental movement is receiving more and more attention.
  • Analysis: This is a perfect example of the second meaning of 运动: a large-scale social “movement.”
• Example 9:
  • 他因为运动受伤，现在需要休息。
  • Pinyin: Tā yīnwèi yùndòng shòushāng, xiànzài xūyào xiūxī.
  • English: He got injured from playing sports and needs to rest now.
  • Analysis: Using 运动 as a noun to describe the general activity that caused the injury.
• Example 10:
  • 生命在于运动。
  • Pinyin: Shēngmìng zàiyú yùndòng.
  • English: Life lies in movement. (A common proverb.)
  • Analysis: This famous Chinese saying encapsulates the philosophy that activity (both physical and mental) is essential for a healthy life.

• 运动 (yùndòng) vs. 活动 (huódòng): This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
  • 运动 (yùndòng) is for purposeful physical exercise/sports OR a large social/political movement.
  • 活动 (huódòng) means a general “activity” or “event.”
  • Correct: 我要去跑步，这是我最喜欢的运动。(I'm going running, it's my favorite exercise.)
  • Incorrect: ~~这个周末的派对是一个有趣的运动。~~ (The party this weekend is a fun “yundong”.)
  • Correct: 这个周末的派对是一个有趣的活动。(The party this weekend is a fun activity.)
• Not for Simple Physical Movements: Do not use 运动 to describe a simple, singular physical motion. For that, you use 动 (dòng) or 动作 (dòngzuò).
  • Incorrect: ~~请你不要运动你的手。~~
  • Correct: 请你不要动。(Please don't move.)
  • Correct: 他的动作很快。(His movements are very fast.)

• 锻炼 (duànliàn) - To exercise, to work out, to train. Often implies a more rigorous or focused effort to strengthen the body.
• 体育 (tǐyù) - Physical Education (P.E.); sports as an institution or academic subject. `体育课 (tǐyù kè)` is P.E. class.
• 活动 (huódòng) - Activity, event. The key contrast word. A club meeting, a party, or a sale are all `活动`.
• 运动员 (yùndòngyuán) - Athlete. The person who does `运动`.
• 健身 (jiànshēn) - Fitness, to work out. This term is strongly associated with going to the gym and building muscle (`健身房 jiànshēnfáng` is “gym”).
• 动作 (dòngzuò) - Action, movement. Refers to a specific physical motion, like a dance move or a martial arts stance.
• 广场舞 (guǎngchǎng wǔ) - “Square dancing.” A quintessential form of public, communal `运动` in modern China.
• 养生 (yǎngshēng) - To nourish life, wellbeing. The cultural philosophy that often motivates gentle, regular `运动`.