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

HSK 2

他已经动身去机场了。

Tā yǐjīng dòngshēn qù jīchǎng le.

He's already left for the airport.

HSK 7-9

我们明天一早动身。

Wǒmen míngtiān yìzǎo dòngshēn.

We'll set out early tomorrow morning.

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