HSK 6
动不动就 V
dòngbudòng jiù V
on a whim
Structure
Subject + 动不动 + 就 + Verb / Phrase
How it works
This structure is used to describe an action or state that happens frequently, easily, or unnecessarily, often implying a sense of annoyance or criticism. It suggests that a negative behavior or situation occurs at the slightest provocation or for no apparent reason.
Examples
有些人动不动就辞职，完全不考虑后果。
Yǒuxiē rén dòngbudòng jiù cízhí, wánquán bù kǎolǜ hòuguǒ.
Some people quit their jobs at the drop of a hat without considering the consequences.
我这台电脑太旧了，动不动就死机。
Wǒ zhè tái diànnǎo tài jiù le, dòngbudòng jiù sǐjī.
This computer of mine is too old; it crashes all the time.
小王比较敏感，动不动就掉眼泪。
Xiǎo Wáng bǐjiào mǐngǎn, dòngbudòng jiù diào yǎnlèi.
Xiao Wang is quite sensitive; she tends to burst into tears very easily.
Common mistakes
Do not use '动不动就' for positive or desired actions; it is almost exclusively used for negative habits, annoying situations, or weaknesses.
Tip
Think of this as describing someone who is 'trigger-happy' with a specific behavior or a machine that is unreliable.
More HSK 6 grammar
See 动不动就 V in real Chinese
Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.
Try InputDojo free