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单独行动

dān dú xíng dòng
verb phrase★Intermediate💡 act independently
neutral

To take action alone without coordination or support from others.

在紧急情况下,每个人都需要单独行动。

In an emergency, everyone needs to act independently.

她选择单独行动,因为不想受他人影响。

She chose to act independently so as not to be influenced by others.

💡

Often used in contexts like military operations, team dynamics, or personal decision-making where autonomy is emphasized.

Collocations

单独行动能力ability to act independently单独行动计划independent action plan

Synonyms

独立行动单独行事自主行动

Antonyms

协同行动集体行动合作行动

Related Phrases

单打独斗idiom
to act alone without help, often implying struggle

💡Pro Tip

Contextual Nuance

In military or strategic contexts, '单独行动' may imply a calculated decision to operate separately for tactical reasons. In everyday language, it often suggests independence or a preference for solitude.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Misinterpretation

Do not confuse '单独行动' with '孤立行动' (isolated action), which carries a negative connotation of being cut off or abandoned.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines '单独' (dān dú, meaning 'alone' or 'singly') and '行动' (xíng dòng, meaning 'action' or 'movement'). The term has been used in Chinese since the mid-20th century, particularly in military and organizational contexts to describe autonomous decision-making.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In professional settings, it may imply a lack of teamwork, while in personal contexts, it often conveys self-reliance or individualism.

Word Breakdown

单独
alone, by oneself
adverb
+
行动
action, movement
noun/verb
汉英词典

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