yídòng

Yí dòng, written as 移动 in Simplified Chinese and 移動 in Traditional Chinese, is the standard Mandarin word that translates roughly to “to move” or “mobile.” In pinyin it is pronounced yí dòng, with second tone on yi and fourth tone on dong. The term functions as both a verb and a noun, conveying ideas of relocation, mobility, or portability, depending on context.

As a verb, 移动 denotes the act of moving something from one place to another or changing position. As a noun or attributive form, it relates to mobility or movement in a broader sense, such as the movement of people, goods, or objects, or the concept of being mobile.

In modern usage, 移动 appears frequently in technology and everyday life to describe mobile or portable services and devices. Common phrases include 移动电话 (mobile phone), 移动网络 (mobile network), 移动支付 (mobile payment), 移动端 (mobile endpoint or mobile version of a service), and 移动设备 (mobile devices). The term also features in corporate names; 中国移动 (China Mobile) is the state-owned telecommunications giant and, by subscribers, one of the largest mobile operators in the world.

Notes: 移动 should not be confused with 运动 (yùn dòng), which means “motion” or “sport” and employs different word formation. In technical contexts, 移动 is often used to emphasize mobility, portability, or wireless capabilities, as opposed to fixed or stationary systems.