动身

動身

dòngshēn

verb HSK 7-9 #8,188

Meanings

1 to set out; to depart on a journey

Characters

Literally 'to move the body' — to physically set off on a trip.

Examples

我们明天一早动身。

Wǒmen míngtiān yìzǎo dòngshēn.

We'll set out early tomorrow morning.

他已经动身去机场了。

Tā yǐjīng dòngshēn qù jīchǎng le.

He's already left for the airport.

Tips

usage

动身 is slightly literary and implies the beginning of a journey, not just leaving a room. For everyday departures, 出发 (chūfā) is more common. 动身 sounds more deliberate — you'd use it for a planned trip rather than running to the store.

Stroke Order

动 dòng

身 shēn