动作 (dòng zuò) is a noun meaning 'movement' or 'gesture' — referring to any physical motion made by a person, animal, or even a machine. The first character 动 (dòng) means 'to move' or 'to stir', and the second character 作 (zuò) here functions as a nominalizer, turning the verb into a concrete noun meaning 'an act' or 'an action'. Together, they emphasize the visible, physical aspect of doing something rather than the intention or result.

This word is commonly used in contexts like martial arts (e.g., swordplay动作), dance choreography, animal behavior observation ('the cat’s hunting动作'), physical education, and film direction ('repeat that动作'). It can refer to deliberate gestures (like a nod or wave) or involuntary movements (like a twitch). Unlike 行为 (xíngwéi), which stresses intentional conduct or behavior, 动作 focuses on the bodily motion itself — what the body *does*, not why it does it.