动手

動手
dòngshǒu
verb HSK 5 #2,109

Meanings

  1. 1 to set about (a task)
  2. 2 to start work
  3. 3 to hit someone

Examples

Bié guāng shuō, dòngshǒu zuò ba!
Don't just talk, get to work!
Tā xiān dòngshǒu dǎ rén de.
He was the one who threw the first punch.
Zhège xiàngmù wǒmen yǐjīng dòngshǒu le.
We've already started working on this project.

Tips

usage
动手 has two very different meanings: (1) to start doing something practical, (2) to physically hit someone. Context makes it clear.
usage
动手能力 (dòngshǒu nénglì) = practical/hands-on ability. Very valued in Chinese education and job descriptions.

Stroke Order

dòng
shǒu