启 (qǐ) - To open & to start

启Tone 3

qǐ ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 户

七器

启 · qǐ

To open;

to start;

to initiate;

to enlighten;

to inform;

a statement or document.

To opento startto initiate

Usage highlights

To startTo inspireTo openTo announceTo set outTo enlighten

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 闭— to close
  • 终— to end
  • 结— to conclude

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please open the door (请开门).
  • The conference will begin at 9 AM (会议将在上午9点启幕).
  • He started his own business (他启业了).
  • This book enlightens the mind (这本书启人心智).

Collocations

  • To start(启动)
  • To inspire(启发)
  • To open(开启)
  • To announce(启事)
  • To set out(启程)
  • To enlighten(启蒙)

Idioms

  • To enlighten the ignorant and arouse the dull(启瞆振聋)
  • To start a journey(启程上路)
  • To open up new horizons(开启新篇)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, '启' was used in official documents and announcements, signifying the beginning of an important matter.
  • The character is associated with enlightenment and the start of new ventures, making it popular in educational and motivational contexts.
  • It is also used in modern terms related to technology and innovation, such as '启动' (to start up).

FAQ