动力
Traditional: 動力
dòng lì HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他的成功给了我很大动力。
Tā de chénggōng gěile wǒ hěn dà dònglì.
His success gave me great motivation.
电动汽车的动力来自电池。
Diàn dòng qìchē de dònglì láizì diànchí.
The power of electric cars comes from batteries.
学习新知识是我的动力。
Xuéxí xīn zhīshì shì wǒ de dònglì.
Learning new knowledge is my motivation.
学习是我的动力。
Xuéxí shì wǒ de dònglì.
Studying is my motivation.
他有动力工作。
Tā yǒu dònglì gōngzuò.
He has the drive to work.

💡 Memory Tip

Break the word down: 动 (dòng) means 'to move' or 'action,' and 力 (lì) means 'power' or 'strength.' So, 动力 is the 'power that makes things move'—whether it's a car engine or your desire to study.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in register and is used in both formal and informal contexts, in both spoken and written Chinese. It is common in discussions about personal goals, work, education, machinery, economics, and social development.

📖 Grammar Points

It is primarily used as a noun. Common structures include: 有/没有/失去 + 动力 (to have/lack/lose motivation); 动力 + 来自... (motivation comes from...); 为...提供动力 (to provide power/motivation for...). It can be modified by adjectives like 强大, 不足, 主要.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In contemporary Chinese society, there is significant cultural emphasis on having strong 动力 for self-improvement, academic success, and career advancement. Discussions about '内在动力' (intrinsic motivation) versus '外部动力' (extrinsic motivation) are common in educational and workplace contexts.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 动机 (dòngjī, 'motive/intention'), which focuses more on the specific reason or purpose behind an action (often used in contexts like crime or psychology), 动力 (dònglì) has a broader sense of the ongoing energy or force that propels action. 精力 (jīnglì) means 'energy' or 'vigor' in a more physical or mental capacity sense.

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