Definitions

(verb) to anticipate; to look forward to
(verb) to plan; to scheme
(verb) to stand on tiptoe

Etymology

Depicts a person () standing on their feet ().

About

The character 企 is an ideographic compound with the person component 人 positioned above the foot component 止. This structure visually depicts a person standing on tiptoes to look ahead or reach upward. Its core meaning captures this physical posture of rising on tiptoes to gaze into the distance. From this action of looking forward expectantly, the sense extended metaphorically to encompass anticipation, hope, planning, and striving toward a goal, thus giving rise to its modern use in words for business enterprises and corporate initiatives.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Shang dynasty (~1100 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢看鹅。

Wǒ xǐhuān kàn qǐ'é.

I like to watch penguins.

这家业很成功。

Zhè jiā qǐyè hěn chénggōng.

This enterprise is very successful.

图逃跑。

Tā qǐtú táopǎo.

He attempted to escape.

我们盼明天。

Wǒmen qǐpàn míngtiān.

We look forward to tomorrow.

划会议开始了。

Qǐhuà huìyì kāishǐ le.

The planning meeting has started.

求更多帮助。

Tā qǐqiú gèng duō bāngzhù.

He seeks more help.

市场稳回升。

Shìchǎng qǐwěn huíshēng.

The market stabilized and recovered.

这个目标难以及。

Zhège mùbiāo nányǐ qǐjí.

This goal is difficult to attain.