Each colour is one part of the character. Parts repeat across thousands of characters, so learning them makes new words easier. See all 214 in our radicals chart.
动dòngto move
云cloud · yún
力strength · lìMeaning part
Memory aidStrength 力 makes things move. In the full form 動, 重 (zhòng) gave the sound.
力lìpower
力 is a single shape of 2 strokes. Learn it whole, then watch its stroke order below.
Memory aidThought to show an old plough, and pulling it took strength: strength, power.
How to write 动力
动 6 strokes · 力 2 strokes
Watch the order, then press Try writing it and draw each stroke in the grid. Each stroke is checked as you go.
Stroke order chart for 动力 (dònglì). Red marks the next stroke, so you can copy it onto paper one step at a time.
动力 (dònglì) means “driving force” or “motive power”. It is an HSK 6 word.
Say it dònglì: dòng with a 4th tone, then lì with a 4th tone. Press Listen at the top of this page to hear it, or Slowly to hear each tone clearly.
In Traditional characters, used in Taiwan and Hong Kong, 动力 is written 動力. The pronunciation is the same.
Add a Chinese (Simplified) pinyin keyboard to your phone or computer, type dongli with no tone marks or spaces, then choose 动力 from the suggestions. Typing dongli into this dictionary’s search box finds it too.
动力 is an HSK 6 word in the HSK 2.0 word lists.
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Sources: meaning and pinyin checked by a native Mandarin teacher against the official HSK lists. Extra meanings from CC-CEDICT (CC BY-SA 4.0). Example sentences written by WillyChina. Character parts and stroke order from Make Me a Hanzi.
动dòng4th tone, falling
