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March 24, 2026
啟qǐ(qi3)
The character 啟 (qǐ) means 'to open' or 'to begin something.' It is commonly used in contexts such as starting a meeting, opening a door, or commencing a process. The character also conveys the idea of explaining or enlightening someone on a topic.
Strokes11Radical口Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'opening' often symbolizes new beginnings, such as during the Lunar New Year when people open their doors to welcome good fortune. The notion of啟 also appears in traditional texts that discuss enlightenment and wisdom.
Memory Tip
Imagine a key (启) that opens a door to knowledge. The character's left side (口) resembles an open mouth, which you can visualize as a person starting to speak or explain something, while the right side (奇) can remind you of something unusual or special beginning.
Meanings of 啟
qǐ(qi3)
1to open; to begin, to commence; to explain
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 啟
啟Simplified
11Strokes
口Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 啟
Podcast: 啟
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AI Study Notes for 啟
Quick Contrast
启 (qǐ) vs 开 (kāi) — use 启 when emphasizing the act of beginning or enlightening, while 开 is more general for opening or starting an action.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a key (启) that opens a door to knowledge. The character's left side (口) resembles an open mouth, which you can visualize as a person starting to speak or explain something, while the right side (奇) can remind you of something unusual or special beginning.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 啟 with similar characters like 开 (kāi), which also means 'to open.' While 啟 can imply a more formal or significant opening, 开 is more casual. Be mindful of the tone, as mispronouncing it can lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
Although 啟 is not included in the official HSK levels, it is useful for learners reaching HSK 4 and beyond, as it appears in phrases related to beginning processes or discussions. Focus on its applications in formal contexts and with compound words.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'opening' often symbolizes new beginnings, such as during the Lunar New Year when people open their doors to welcome good fortune. The notion of啟 also appears in traditional texts that discuss enlightenment and wisdom.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 啟 in casual contexts where 开 would be more appropriate. For example, saying '啟门' (qǐmén) for 'open the door' sounds overly formal; use '开门' (kāimén) instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 啟
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Cultural Notes for 啟
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'opening' often symbolizes new beginnings, such as during the Lunar New Year when people open their doors to welcome good fortune. The notion of啟 also appears in traditional texts that discuss enlightenment and wisdom.
Word Family of 啟
Words Containing This Character20
启动qǐdòngto start (a machine)啟動
开启kāiqǐto open開啟
启发qǐfāto enlighten啟發
启Qǐto open啟
启示qǐshìto reveal啟示
启用to start using啟用
启程qǐchéngto set out on a journey啟程
启蒙qǐméngto initiate啟蒙
启事qǐshìa notice啟事
难以启齿to find it hard to speak about sth難以啟齒
启迪qǐdíto edify啟迪
启示录the Apocalypse啟示錄
启航(of a ship) to set sail啟航
启齿to open one's mouth啟齒
梁启超Liang Qichao (1873-1929), influential journalist and a leader of the failed reform movement of 1898梁啟超
启动子promoter啟動子
启明Classical Chinese name for planet Venus in the east before dawn啟明
承前启后forming a bridge between earlier and later stages承前啟後
启东Qidong county level city in Nantong 南通[Nántōng], Jiangsu啟東
启发式heuristic啟發式
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 启动 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 啟
You can say '啟動會議' (qǐdòng huìyì) which means 'to commence the meeting.'
Yes, 啟 is often used in formal contexts, such as official documents or speeches, to indicate the start of something.
While it can be used informally, it is more common in formal situations, so consider using 开 in casual conversations.
