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 structurally formed by placing "人" meaning person above "止" meaning foot, illustrating the posture of standing on tiptoes, which directly informed its original sense of physically raising oneself to look forward or anticipate. From this concrete action, the meaning extended into abstract domains of aspiration and planning, eventually solidifying its modern association with organized ventures, as seen in compounds like "企業" for enterprise.

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.