Definitions

(verb) to open; to start; to initiate
(verb) to enlighten; to awaken
(verb) to inform; to state

Etymology

Simplified form of . Depicts a hand () opening a door () of an opening (). The (hand) component was later removed for simplification.

About

The character "启" traces its origins to the traditional form "啓", which integrated pictorial elements of a door and an action such as speaking or striking, thereby encapsulating the fundamental concept of opening. Over time, its structure was distilled to the simpler "启", retaining the door and mouth components to evoke the act of opening through utterance or command. This structural condensation coincided with a semantic expansion from the concrete action of opening gates to abstract applications like commencing an activity, imparting knowledge, or providing inspiration, which subsequently entrenched its function in lexical compounds related to beginnings and enlightenment.

Example Sentences Hide

他开了新的大门。

Tā kāiqǐ le xīn de dàmén.

He opened a new door.

这本书给我很多发。

Zhè běn shū gěi wǒ hěn duō qǐfā.

This book gives me a lot of inspiration.

我们明天程去北京。

Wǒmen míngtiān qǐchéng qù Běijīng.

We will set out for Beijing tomorrow.

公司用了新的系统。

Gōngsī qǐyòng le xīn de xìtǒng.

The company started using a new system.

这个示来自大自然。

Zhège qǐshì lái zì dàzìrán.

This revelation comes from nature.

蒙教育对孩子很重要。

Qǐméng jiàoyù duì háizi hěn zhòngyào.

Enlightenment education is very important for children.

他发表了一则招聘事。

Tā fābiǎo le yì zé zhāopìn qǐshì.

He published a recruitment notice.

动计划需要详细准备。

Qǐdòng jìhuà xūyào xiángxì zhǔnbèi.

Starting the plan requires detailed preparation.