动dòng

The traditional form 動 combines 重 ("heavy") with 力 ("force"), picturing the exertion of strength to move something weighty. Simplified to 動 → 动, the 重 was replaced with 云, yet the character still conveys that sense of applied power. As a fundamental verb, it anchors countless compounds: 動作 (action), 運動 (sports), 感動 (to be moved), 自動 (automatic) — all carrying that core meaning of motion and force.