Definition

1. Intransitive Verb:
   • To move slightly, to stir: Refers to a small, often subtle movement of the body or a part of it, typically from a state of rest or stillness.
   • To budge, to shift: Indicates a slight change in position.

Usage

• The word động đậy describes minimal, often involuntary or restrained movement. It is commonly used in commands or observations to note or request a lack of movement.
• It emphasizes the action of moving , often contrasting with complete stillness.

Usage Examples

• Intransitive Verb:
  • Đứng yên, đừng động đậy sắp chụp rồi đấy. (Keep still, don't move, I'm about to take the picture.)
  • Đứa bé ngủ say, không động đậy chút nào. (The baby is sleeping soundly, not moving a bit.)
  • Cánh tay tôi bị tê, không thể động đậy được. (My arm is numb, I can't move it.)

Advanced Usage

• "Không động đậy": To not move at all, to remain completely still.
  • Con mèo nằm phục, mắt nhìn chằm chằm và không động đậy. (The cat lay in wait, staring and not moving a muscle.)
• Used to describe the first signs of movement or life.
  • Hạt giống đã bắt đầu động đậy, nảy mầm. (The seed has begun to stir, to sprout.) (Note: This is a more figurative, poetic usage.)

Variants and Related Words

• Động (verb): To move. This is a more general term for movement. Động đậy often implies a smaller, more specific movement than động.
• Cựa quậy (verb): To fidget, to wriggle. Implies more restless or continuous small movements compared to động đậy.
• Nhúc nhích (verb): To shift slightly, to inch. Similar to động đậy but can imply a more deliberate attempt to move.

Synonyms

• Cử động: To move (a body part).
• Di chuyển: To move, to change location (generally for larger movements).
• Ngọ nguậy: To wiggle, to squirm (often for parts like fingers, toes, or a tail).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Related Idioms

• Nằm im không động đậy: To lie still without moving.
  • Sau trận ốm, anh ấy nằm im không động đậy cả ngày. (After the illness, he lay still without moving all day.)

1. Move, stir
   • Đứng yên, đừng động đậy sắp chụp rồi đấy
     Keep still, don't move, I'm going to snap it