动脑

動腦

dòngnǎo

verb

Meanings

1 to use one's brain
2 to think things through
3 to put one's mind to it

Characters

to move / to use

Examples

做这道题要动脑筋。

Zuò zhè dào tí yào dòng nǎojīn.

You need to use your brain to solve this problem.

他做事不爱动脑，总是凭感觉。

Tā zuòshì bù ài dòngnǎo, zǒngshì píng gǎnjué.

He doesn't like to think things through and always goes on gut feeling.

Tips

usage

Frequently extended to 动脑筋 (dòng nǎojīn, 'use the brain-tendons') — same meaning, slightly more vivid. Both are everyday words; 思考 (sīkǎo) is the formal/written equivalent.

Stroke Order

动 dòng

脑 nǎo