“感动” vs. “激动”
In some cases the words “感动 (ɡǎn dònɡ)” and “激动 (jī dònɡ)” can be easily confused. Let’s first take a look at what these two words have in common:
Both words are verbs that describe psychological actions or, more specifically, a type of change in one’s mood after being affected by some outside stimulus. They can also both appear in the same position within a sentence. For example:
1a他的话使我非常感动。
1b他的话使我非常激动。
2a他感动得流下了眼泪。
2b他激动得流下了眼泪。
“感动” refers to a feeling of sympathy or admiration that one feels as a result of being affected by something. Usually translated as “moved” or “touched,” this word represents a positive feeling and is usually used in a complimentary sense. It can be used in either a passive voice or an active voice.
“激动” refers to excitement or agitation that one feels after being affected by some stimulus. It can show excitement, anger, etc. In addition, this word can only be used in an active voice.
Comparison of “感动” and “激动”
| 感动 | 激动 | |
| Used to Show | sympathy or admiration | excitement, anger, etc. |
| Tone | positive | neutral |
| Voice | passive voice or active voice | active voice |
Some examples:
感动:
感动人的事情（故事、电影、话）—— things that can be touching (stories, movies, statements)
被……感动了—— to be moved by something. (passive voice)
太感动人了—— (something is) really touching/moving.
激动:
激动人心的消息（歌曲、场面）—— things that can excite（songs, scenes/occasions）
情绪激动 —— to become emotional (excited, angry, worried, nervous, etc.)
激动了好长一段时间 —— to have been excited for quite a long time
Let’s practice:
Fill in the blank with either “感动” or “激动”:
- 医生认真负责的态度_____了病人。
- 我们队终于赢了，我很_____。
- 我被这部小说里描写的爱情深深地_____了。
- 他刚才和人吵架了，有点儿______，所以和你说话的态度不太好。
Key:
- 感动
- 激动
- 感动
- 激动
