Definition
动武 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to resort to force' or 'to come to blows'. The object 武 can separate from the verb 动 when aspect particles or measure words are inserted, e.g., 动了武 ('resorted to force') or 动过武 ('has used force before'). It implies a transition from words to physical actions, often in conflict situations.
v.o.
to resort to forceto use violenceto come to blows
Examples
- 动武，。Tāmen bù xiǎng dòng wǔ, dànshì méi bànfǎ.They don't want to resort to force, but they have no choice.
- 。Liǎng guó zhījiān cónglái méiyǒu dòng guo wǔ.The two countries have never resorted to force with each other.
- ，动武。Tánpàn shībài hòu, shuāngfāng kāishǐ dòng wǔ.After the negotiations failed, both sides started to use force.
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