Meanings of 启发
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 启发
Podcast: 启发
Podcast: 启发
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 启发
启示 (qǐshì) — use 启发 when the focus is on inspiring or stimulating thought, while 启示 emphasizes conveying a revelation or insight.
This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in education and coaching. A common mistake is to confuse 启发 with other similar words like 教 (jiào), which means 'to teach' but lacks the nuance of inspiration. Pay attention to the tones to avoid miscommunication.
As an HSK 5 word, 启发 connects well with other educational terms and verbs. Students should focus on the context in which it is used, particularly in discussions about learning and inspiration, and practice using it in sentences that convey motivation.
Learners often confuse 启发 with 说明 (shuō míng), which means 'to explain' without the inspirational aspect. For example, saying '老师启发我这个问题' (Lǎoshī qǐfā wǒ zhège wèntí) is incorrect; it should be '老师启发我思考这个问题' (Lǎoshī qǐfā wǒ sīkǎo zhège wèntí) meaning 'The teacher inspires me to think about this question.'
Pronunciation of 启发
Drill the tone of 启发 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say to enlighten in Chinese
“to enlighten” in Chinese is启发
启发 (qǐ fā) means to enlighten or inspire someone, often in a way that stimulates interest or understanding. It is commonly used in educational contexts where a teacher helps students grasp complex ideas or where new insights lead to creative thinking.
When to use 启发
This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in education and coaching. A common mistake is to confuse 启发 with other similar words like 教 (jiào), which means 'to teach' but lacks the nuance of inspiration. Pay attention to the tones to avoid miscommunication.
启发 or something close to it
启示 (qǐshì) — use 启发 when the focus is on inspiring or stimulating thought, while 启示 emphasizes conveying a revelation or insight.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 启发 with 说明 (shuō míng), which means 'to explain' without the inspirational aspect. For example, saying '老师启发我这个问题' (Lǎoshī qǐfā wǒ zhège wèntí) is incorrect; it should be '老师启发我思考这个问题' (Lǎoshī qǐfā wǒ sīkǎo zhège wèntí) meaning 'The teacher inspires me to think about this question.'
Write 启发
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 启发 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 启发
启发 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 11 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
这种想法是从我在阁楼里发现的一幅画得到____的。
The idea evolved from a drawing I discovered in the attic.
Example Sentences for 启发 (3)
Frequently Asked Questions about 启发
启发 emphasizes inspiring or enlightening someone, while 教 focuses more on the act of teaching or instructing.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 启发?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.