action
action — 動詞
1. to carry out a request, plan, or instruction so that the result actually happens
處理；落實
依指示著手處理請求或計畫使其完成
to carry out a request, plan, or instruction so that the result actually happens, typically in workplace or official settings.
The IT team will action your password reset request within two working days.
資訊部門會在兩個工作天內處理你的密碼重設請求。
action + noun (request) in business email register
Manager Wu asked her assistant to action the urgent purchase order before lunch.
吳經理請助理在午餐前把這份緊急採購單處理掉。
action + the [noun] order in workplace context
All complaints from customers must be actioned within forty-eight hours by store staff.
店員必須在四十八小時內處理所有顧客投訴。
passive: be actioned within [time period]
The committee promised to action every safety recommendation made after the factory fire.
委員會承諾要落實工廠火災後提出的每一項安全建議。
action + noun (recommendation, decision)
Please action this email before you leave the office tonight.
請你今晚下班前把這封信件處理完。
imperative form common in office instructions
- action a request
- action an order
- action an email
- action a recommendation
- be actioned within [time]
- action immediately
文法句型
action + noun (request, plan, order, decision)
用法筆記
Mainly used in business and bureaucratic English; the object is almost always a task-noun like request, order, recommendation, or email. Distinguish from the noun senses, where 'action' names the deed itself rather than the carrying out of one.
常見錯誤
action — 名詞
1. doing things in a planned way to fix a problem or change a situation, rather tha
行動；作為
為解決問題而採取的具體做法
doing things in a planned way to fix a problem or change a situation, rather than only talking or waiting.
The mayor promised quick action to clean up the polluted river near the school.
市長承諾迅速採取行動，清理學校附近被汙染的河川。
action to + infinitive (purpose)
Parents demanded action on bullying after Mia came home with a torn jacket.
Mia 外套被扯破回家後，家長要求校方對霸凌問題採取作為。
action on + issue
Without firm action from the government, the forest fires will spread.
如果政府不採取強硬行動，森林大火會繼續蔓延。
firm/swift/urgent + action
Lin Wei took action and reported the leaking pipe to the building manager.
林威採取了行動，向大樓管理員回報水管漏水的狀況。
take action (most common pattern)
We need a plan of action before the storm reaches the coast on Friday.
我們得在週五暴風雨抵達海岸前，先擬好一套行動計畫。
plan of action
- take action
- demand action
- call for action
- plan of action
- course of action
- swift action
- firm action
- urgent action
- measures
more formal; usually plural and used for official or organised steps
- intervention
stronger; suggests stepping in to stop something bad
- response
implies reacting to something that already happened
文法句型
take action (to do something)
action on something
用法筆記
Almost always uncountable in this sense. Frequently appears in the fixed pattern 'take action (to do X)' and after verbs like 'demand', 'call for', 'promise'. Distinguish from sense 2 (a single deed): sense 1 is the broader idea of dealing with a situation, often used with 'on' or 'against' a problem.
常見錯誤
2. a particular thing that a person does, viewed as a single completed deed for whi
行為；舉動
一個人做出、需要負責的事情
a particular thing that a person does, viewed as a single completed deed for which they can be praised, blamed, or held responsible.
Pulling the boy from the river was a brave action that saved his life.
把男孩從河裡拉上岸，是救了他一命的勇敢舉動。
adjective + action (a brave/foolish/kind action)
Dimitri must answer for his actions in front of the school principal.
Dimitri 必須在校長面前為自己的行為負責。
answer for / be responsible for + actions
Her actions during the fire showed real courage and quick thinking.
她在火災中的舉動展現了真正的勇氣與快速反應。
actions show / reveal + quality
Judge people by their actions, not by their promises or excuses.
判斷一個人要看他的行為，而不是他的承諾或藉口。
actions vs. words contrast
- brave action
- kind action
- foolish action
- answer for one's actions
- judge by actions
- consequences of actions
文法句型
someone's actions
an action of + noun
用法筆記
Countable here, unlike sense 1. Often used in the plural 'someone's actions' to talk about a person's overall behaviour. Common in moral or legal contexts where the speaker evaluates what someone did.
常見錯誤
3. a movement of the body or part of the body, especially one that is repeated or t
動作
身體或身體部位的動作或姿勢
a movement of the body or part of the body, especially one that is repeated or trained, such as in sport, dance, or making a machine work.
The coach showed Olu the correct throwing action for her tennis serve.
教練示範給 Olu 看，網球發球時正確的揮臂動作。
throwing / running / swimming + action (sport contexts)
A simple twisting action of the wrist opens the lid of the jar.
只要手腕做一個簡單的扭轉動作，就能打開罐子的蓋子。
the action of + body part
The dancer repeated the same arm action until it looked smooth.
舞者反覆練習同一個手臂動作，直到看起來流暢為止。
repeated body movement
Babies copy the actions of the adults around them, like waving and clapping.
嬰兒會模仿身邊大人的動作，像是揮手和拍手。
actions = trained or learned movements
- throwing action
- bowling action
- smooth action
- repeat an action
- imitate the action
- stillness
the absence of movement
文法句型
the action of + verb-ing
用法筆記
Countable. Refers to the physical shape of the movement itself, not its purpose. Common in sport coaching ('a smooth bowling action'), music ('piano action'), and child-development contexts. Distinguish from sense 2 (a deed with moral weight): sense 3 is value-neutral and purely physical.
4. lively events that are taking place around you, the kind of busy scene people ga
熱鬧場面
正在發生的精彩或刺激的事
lively events that are taking place around you, the kind of busy scene people gather to watch or join.
From the front row, Hiro could see all the action on the basketball court.
坐在前排，Hiro 可以把籃球場上所有精彩畫面看得一清二楚。
see / watch / catch + the action
The night market was full of action, with cooks shouting and lights flashing.
夜市裡很熱鬧，廚師大聲吆喝、燈光不停閃爍。
full of action (busy lively scene)
If you want plenty of action, sit near the goal during the second half.
想看精彩畫面的話，下半場就坐在球門附近吧。
plenty of / lots of + action
Kids love this park because there is always action around the fountain.
孩子們愛這個公園，因為噴水池附近總是很熱鬧。
always + action (informal, B1-friendly)
- plenty of action
- lots of action
- miss the action
- see the action
- non-stop action
- excitement
focuses on the feeling rather than the events
- activity
broader and more neutral; not always exciting
- happenings
informal; events viewed from a distance
文法句型
the action
plenty of action
用法筆記
Uncountable. Often takes 'the' when referring to a specific event or place ('miss the action'). Differs from sense 1: sense 4 describes the buzz of things happening, not steps taken to solve a problem.
常見錯誤
5. a kind of film built around fast chases, fights, and dangerous scenes that are m
動作片
充滿打鬥追逐的電影類型
a kind of film built around fast chases, fights, and dangerous scenes that are meant to keep the audience on the edge of their seat.
On Friday nights Sven rents an action film with car chases and explosions.
週五晚上，Sven 會租一部有飛車追逐和爆破場面的動作片。
action film / action movie
She prefers action over romance because the fight scenes feel more exciting.
她偏好動作片勝過愛情片，因為打鬥場面比較刺激。
action vs. other genres
The director is famous for making action movies set in big Asian cities.
這位導演以拍攝以亞洲大城市為背景的動作片而聞名。
action movies (compound noun)
Kenji wants to be an action hero like the stars in old kung fu films.
Kenji 想成為像老功夫片裡那些明星一樣的動作英雄。
action hero / action star
- action film
- action movie
- action hero
- action star
- action sequence
- action scene
文法句型
action film / action movie / action hero
用法筆記
Almost always used as a modifier before another noun: 'action film', 'action movie', 'action hero', 'action sequence'. As a standalone noun ('I love action') it stays uncountable. Distinct from sense 4: this is a film-industry label, not a description of a real-world busy scene.
常見錯誤
6. the place or scene that everyone considers the most exciting or important, used
熱門地點
大家眼中最精彩、最值得去的地方
the place or scene that everyone considers the most exciting or important, used in set phrases such as 'where the action is'.
Young designers move to Taipei because that is where the action is right now.
年輕設計師都搬去台北，因為現在那裡才是最熱鬧的地方。
fixed phrase: where the action is
Sit at the bar near the window if you want to be in the middle of the action.
想置身熱鬧中心，就坐在窗邊那張靠近吧台的位子吧。
in the middle of the action
Reporters pushed forward to get closer to the action outside the courthouse.
記者紛紛往前擠，想更靠近法院外的熱鬧現場。
close to / near the action
Olu picked a hotel right in the heart of the action, two blocks from the night market.
Olu 挑了一間就在熱鬧中心的飯店，離夜市只有兩個街區。
the heart of the action
- where the action is
- in the middle of the action
- close to the action
- the heart of the action
- the buzz
very informal; refers to the lively atmosphere of a place
- the centre of things
neutral alternative for the same idea
- the sidelines
the place away from where exciting things happen
- the middle of nowhere
an isolated place with no activity
文法句型
where the action is
the heart of the action
用法筆記
Almost always appears inside the fixed expressions 'where the action is', 'in the middle of the action', 'close to the action', and 'the heart of the action'. Informal and slightly evaluative — the speaker views the place as exciting. Differs from sense 4: sense 6 names the location; sense 4 names the events themselves.
常見錯誤
7. the way a force, chemical, or natural process changes another substance or objec
作用；效應
化學或自然力對某物產生的作用
the way a force, chemical, or natural process changes another substance or object over time, for example how rust forms on iron or how a drug works inside the body.
The action of salt water on the iron gate slowly turned it brown with rust.
海水對鐵製大門的作用，慢慢把它鏽成棕色。
the action of X on Y for chemical effect
Doctors study the action of this drug on the human heart before approving it.
醫生會先研究這種藥物對人類心臟的作用，才核准上市。
the action of [substance] on [organ]
Centuries of wave action have shaped the cliffs along the Cornish coast.
幾百年來海浪的作用，塑造了康沃爾沿岸的懸崖。
noun + action: wave / wind / frost
The medicine begins its action within twenty minutes of swallowing the tablet.
藥片吞下後二十分鐘內就開始發揮作用。
Soap removes grease through the action of tiny molecules pulling oil into water.
肥皂透過微小分子把油拉進水中的作用來去除油污。
through the action of [agent]
- the action of X on Y
- wave action
- chemical action
- drug action
文法句型
the action of X on Y
用法筆記
Subject is usually a natural force, chemical, or biological agent — not a person. Distinguish from sense 1 (DOING SOMETHING), where a human or group is the agent.
常見錯誤
8. the experience of fighting during a war, including soldiers shooting at the enem
戰鬥；交戰
戰場上的軍事作戰行動
the experience of fighting during a war, including soldiers shooting at the enemy, ships meeting at sea, or planes attacking targets.
Lieutenant Marsh first saw action during the long winter campaign in northern France.
馬許中尉是在法國北部那場漫長的冬季戰役中第一次參戰。
see action: take part in fighting
Two of her uncles were killed in action during the war in the Pacific.
她有兩位舅舅在太平洋戰爭中陣亡。
killed in action (KIA)
The young pilot longed for action but spent most weeks training near the base.
這位年輕飛行員渴望上戰場，卻多半都在基地附近受訓。
Three destroyers were lost in action off the coast of Crete that spring.
那年春天有三艘驅逐艦在克里特島外海的戰鬥中沉沒。
lost in action
Veterans who have seen heavy action sometimes find loud noises difficult for years afterwards.
經歷過激烈戰鬥的退伍軍人，往後好幾年都會對巨大聲響特別敏感。
heavy action: intense combat
- see action
- killed in action
- heavy action
文法句型
in action
see action
用法筆記
Almost always uncountable in this sense and frequently appears in fixed phrases like 'in action', 'see action', 'killed in action'. Distinguish from sense 4 (ACTIVITY), which is general excitement, not military fighting.
常見錯誤
9. used in the fixed phrase 'missing in action' to describe a soldier, sailor, or p
戰鬥失蹤
作戰後下落不明、生死未卜
used in the fixed phrase 'missing in action' to describe a soldier, sailor, or pilot whose body has not been recovered following combat, leaving it unclear whether the person is still alive.
Captain Reyes was reported missing in action after the helicopter crashed in the jungle.
雷耶斯上尉的直升機在叢林中墜毀後，他被列為作戰失蹤。
missing in action (MIA)
Her grandfather was listed as missing in action for almost forty years.
她祖父被列為作戰失蹤將近四十年。
listed as missing in action
The families of soldiers missing in action waited every Sunday for fresh news.
作戰失蹤士兵的家屬，每個星期天都在等新的消息。
soldiers missing in action
Three pilots from the squadron remain missing in action since the storm last March.
中隊裡有三名飛行員自三月那場暴風雨後便作戰失蹤至今。
- missing in action
- listed as missing in action
- reported missing in action
- MIA
the official military abbreviation
- unaccounted for
broader; not limited to combat
文法句型
missing in action
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in the fixed phrase 'missing in action' (often shortened to MIA). Distinct from sense 8: sense 8 covers all combat experience, while sense 9 is the specific status of an unaccounted-for service member.
常見錯誤
10. the way a body part, animal, or piece of machinery moves while it works — for ex
動作方式
肢體或機械的運作姿態
the way a body part, animal, or piece of machinery moves while it works — for example the swing of a pitcher's arm, the gallop of a horse's legs, or the keys and hammers inside a piano.
The young pitcher worked for months on the smooth action of his throwing arm.
這位年輕投手花了好幾個月，調整投球手臂流暢的動作方式。
the action of [body part] for body movement
This grand piano has a heavy action that tires the fingers after an hour.
這台平台鋼琴的鍵盤動作很重，彈一個小時手指就累了。
heavy / light action of an instrument
Trainers admired the easy action of the brown horse as it crossed the field.
訓練員看著那匹棕馬輕鬆的跑姿穿越草原，讚嘆不已。
Coach Lin filmed the action of each swimmer's legs to spot small mistakes.
林教練拍下每位泳者腿部的動作方式，找出細小的問題。
the action of [body part]
The watchmaker cleaned every spring inside the clock until its action was silent again.
這位修錶師擦亮時鐘裡的每根彈簧，直到機件運作再次靜悄無聲。
action of a mechanism
- the action of [body part]
- smooth action
- heavy action
- throwing action
- bowling action
文法句型
the action of [body part / machine]
用法筆記
Subject is typically a body part of an athlete or animal, or the working parts inside a machine or musical instrument. Distinguish from sense 3 (a single physical movement) — sense 10 is the overall manner of movement, not one isolated motion.
常見錯誤
11. a case heard before a judge, where one person or company asks the court to punis
訴訟；官司
在法院審理的法律案件
a case heard before a judge, where one person or company asks the court to punish another party, force them to stop something, or order compensation for harm already caused.
Two former employees brought an action against the bank for unfair dismissal last month.
上個月，兩名前員工針對銀行的不當解雇提起了訴訟。
bring an action against [defendant]
Mrs Halevi is taking legal action to stop her neighbour cutting down the old oak.
哈勒維太太正採取法律行動，阻止鄰居砍掉那棵老橡樹。
take legal action to + verb
The newspaper faced a libel action after publishing photos of the singer's home.
刊登歌手住家照片後，這家報社面臨一場誹謗官司。
libel action / civil action
If the company refuses to pay, our lawyer will file an action in the district court.
如果公司拒絕付款，我們的律師會在地方法院提起訴訟。
file an action in [court]
The class action against the carmaker involved more than two thousand drivers.
針對這家車廠的集體訴訟，涉及超過兩千名車主。
class action: many people sue together
- bring an action
- take legal action
- file an action
- class action
- civil action
- lawsuit
everyday equivalent; very common in American English
- case
broader; covers both civil and criminal matters
- proceedings
formal; the whole legal process, not just one suit
文法句型
bring an action against [someone]
take legal action
用法筆記
Frequently appears in fixed legal phrases: 'bring an action', 'take legal action', 'class action', 'civil action'. Always concerns courts and judges; for general 'doing something' meanings use sense 1 instead.
常見錯誤
12. all the events that happen one after another in a novel, play, or film, taken to
情節發展
小說、戲劇或電影的劇情走向
all the events that happen one after another in a novel, play, or film, taken together as the storyline that the audience follows from start to finish.
The action of the novel takes place in a small fishing village in 1923.
這部小說的情節發生在一九二三年一個小漁村裡。
the action takes place in [setting]
Most of the action happens during one long summer afternoon at the lake.
故事的主要情節都發生在湖邊一個漫長的夏日午後。
the action happens during [time]
Director Park keeps the action moving quickly so the audience never feels bored.
朴導演讓劇情發展節奏緊湊，觀眾完全不會覺得無聊。
keep the action moving
The action of the play shifts from a quiet farmhouse to a busy courtroom.
這齣戲的情節從寧靜的農舍轉到忙碌的法院。
the action of [story type] shifts to [setting]
Readers may feel lost because the action jumps between three different time periods.
讀者可能會看不懂，因為情節在三個不同的時代之間跳來跳去。
- the action takes place
- the action of the novel/play/film
- keep the action moving
- the action shifts
文法句型
the action of [story / film]
the action takes place
用法筆記
Usually preceded by 'the' and treated as singular: 'the action takes place'. Distinguish from sense 5 (action film as a genre) and sense 4 (real-life excitement) — sense 12 is the internal events of a fictional plot.
常見錯誤
What someone does is more important than what they say.
行動勝於言語
Min promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
Don't just tell me you care; actions speak louder than words.
in action
idiomDoing the activity or work that is typical for that person or thing.
在行動中
We watched the firefighters in action during the drill.
Have you seen the new robot in action yet?
into action
idiomStarting to make an idea or plan happen.
付諸行動
The team put their new marketing plan into action last week.
We need to turn these proposals into action soon.
out of action
idiomNot able to work or be used because of injury or damage.
無法運作
My car is out of action after the accident.
Sara will be out of action for a month with a broken arm.
A share or role in an interesting or profitable activity.
分一杯羹
Many investors want a piece of the action in the tech startup.
Local businesses hope to get a slice of the action from the festival.
To suddenly start working or doing something.
突然行動起來
When the alarm rang, the guards sprang into action.
The city springs to life during the annual carnival.
swing into action
idiomTo start doing something quickly and energetically.
迅速行動
The rescue team swung into action after the earthquake.
When the fire broke out, the crew swung into action immediately.
take evasive action
idiomTo act in order to avoid danger or an unpleasant situation.
採取規避行動
The driver took evasive action to avoid hitting a deer.
The pilot had to take evasive action during the storm.
action — 慣用語
what people really do shows their true feelings or intentions far better than any promise they make in conversation.
行動勝於言語；坐而言不如起而行
Sven kept saying he loved her, but actions speak louder than words.
The mayor promised lower rents, but actions speak louder than words to angry tenants.
in action
idiombusy doing the job, sport, or task that a person, animal, or machine usually performs, so others can watch them at work.
在運作中；在執行任務
Tourists gathered at the harbour to see the rescue dogs in action.
Reporters filmed the new fire engine in action during the warehouse blaze.
to begin doing the steps of a plan or idea so that it becomes real instead of staying on paper.
付諸實行；展開行動
After months of meetings, the school finally put the new lunch menu into action.
Beatriz drew up a savings plan in January and put it into action last week.
out of action
idiombroken, hurt, or worn out, so that a machine cannot run or a person cannot do their normal activity for a while.
故障；無法運作；不能上場
The lift has been out of action since a pipe burst on the third floor.
A torn knee ligament has put Dimitri out of action for the rest of the season.
a chance to take part in something fun, busy, or profitable, and to share the rewards or excitement that come with it.
分一杯羹；參與其中
When Olu's bakery started winning awards, two investors wanted a piece of the action.
Younger cousins arrived at the card table demanding a piece of the action.
spring into action
idiomto begin moving or working all at once, usually after waiting, so that everything happens with sudden energy.
立刻行動；迅速採取行動
When the alarm rang, the kitchen staff sprang into action and cleared every table.
The moment Dr. Jamal shouted, the nurses sprang into action around the bed.
swing into action
idiomto begin a job at full speed and with strong effort, especially right after a signal or a sudden need appears.
全力展開行動；火力全開
Once the storm warning was issued, coastal villages swung into action and boarded up every shop window.
Election volunteers swung into action at six in the morning, knocking on doors across the whole neighbourhood.
take evasive action
idiomto do something quickly so that you can stay clear of harm, an attack, or a problem you would rather not face.
閃避；採取規避動作
Captain Liu took evasive action when a small fishing boat drifted across the ship's path at night.
Rosa took evasive action and ducked behind a parked car when she spotted her chatty neighbour on the street.
同根字
- actionable形容詞C1
- act動詞A2
- act名詞B1
- active形容詞A2
- actively副詞B1
- activity名詞A2
- activist名詞B2
- activism名詞B2
- react動詞B1
- reaction名詞B1
- interact動詞B1
- interaction名詞B2
- transaction名詞B2
- inaction名詞C1
- enact動詞C1
常見搭配
名詞搭配
- action plan
- action point
- course of action
- plan of action
- lack of action
- scene of the action
常用片語
- take action
- put into action
- spring into action
- where the action is
- ready for action
- out of action
介系詞搭配
- in action
- out of action
- into action
- of action
- for action