Translation and Meaning of: 動揺 - douyou

The Japanese word 動揺[どうよう] carries a deep meaning and is often used in emotional and physical contexts. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding its use and nuances can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and cultural contexts in which this word appears, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

Meaning and Translation of 動揺 [どうよう]

動揺 [どうよう] is a term that can be translated as "agitation," "disturbance," or "instability." It describes both a physical state of irregular movement and an emotional condition of unrest. For example, it can be used to talk about an earthquake that causes tremors in the ground or a person who is emotionally shaken.

In daily life, the Japanese use this word in situations involving sudden changes or a lack of balance. If someone says "心が動揺している" (kokoro ga douyou shite iru), it means that their heart is disturbed, perhaps due to unexpected news or an impactful event.

Origin and Composition of Kanjis

The word 動揺 is composed of two kanji: 動 (dou), which means "movement," and 揺 (you), meaning "to shake" or "to oscillate." Together, they convey the idea of something that is not stable, whether literally or figuratively. This combination is common in terms that express instability, both in a concrete and abstract sense.

It is worth noting that the kanji 揺 also appears in other words related to irregular movement, such as 揺れる (yureru, "to sway") and 揺らぎ (yuragi, "fluctuation"). Understanding this root helps to memorize not only 動揺 but also other derived vocabulary.

Cultural Use and Frequency

In Japan, 動揺 is a word that appears quite frequently in news, dramas, and everyday conversations, especially when discussing unexpected events. It has a more formal tone and is used less in casual situations, unless the context requires seriousness.

In animes and mangas, you can find it in dramatic scenes, where characters go through moments of emotional crisis. For example, a protagonist who discovers a shocking truth may demonstrate 動揺 through their actions or dialogues. This usage reinforces how the word is connected to situations of strong psychological impact.

Tips for Memorizing 動揺 [どうよう]

An effective way to fix this word is to associate it with images of instability, like a boat rocking in the sea or a person with a surprised expression. Creating flashcards with sentences like "地震で地面が動揺した" (the ground shook with the earthquake) also helps to memorize its meaning and usage.

Another tip is to practice writing the kanjis separately, understanding their radicals and strokes. The kanji 動, for example, contains the radical 力 (force), while 揺 includes the radical 扌(related to manual actions). This decomposition facilitates the memorization and understanding of the word as a whole.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 不安 (Fuan) - Restlessness, anxiety.
• 不穏 (Fuon) - Unrest, unstable environment.
• 不定 (Futei) - Inconstancy, lack of stability.
• 不確定 (Fukakutei) - Indecision, uncertainty.
• 不安定 (Fuantei) - Instability, lack of security.
• 揺れ動き (Yuredoki) - Oscillation, oscillating motion.
• 揺らぎ (Yuragi) - Fluctuation, inconsistency.
• 波乱 (Haran) - Agitation, turbulence.
• 激動 (Gekidou) - Intense transformation, agitation.
• 動乱 (Douran) - Disorder, social upheaval.
• 不安定さ (Fuanteisa) - Characteristic of instability; quality of being insecure.

動揺

Romaji: douyou
Kana: どうよう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: disturb; agitation; tremor; tremor; pitch; bearing; oscillation; agitation; excitement; commotion

Meaning in English: disturbance;unrest;shaking;trembling;pitching;rolling;oscillation;agitation;excitement;commotion

Definition: A disturbed and restless state of mind.

Example Sentences - (動揺) douyou

See below some example sentences:

彼女は動揺していた。

Kanojo wa dōyō shite ita

She was agitated.

She was upset.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 動揺していた (douyoushiteita) - was agitated