Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
启示 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
启示qǐshìto revealHSK 6, v, 12 strokes, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìto enlightenHSK 6, v, 12 strokes, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìenlightenmentHSK 6, v, 12 strokes, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìrevelationHSK 6, v, 12 strokes, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìilluminationHSK 6, v, 12 strokes, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìmoral (of a story etc)HSK 6, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìlessonHSK 6, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #9667, Hard
qǐshì(qi3shi4)qi shi T3
  1. 1to reveal
  2. 2to enlighten
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

启示(啟示)qǐshì(qi3shi4)

The term 启示 (qǐ shì) refers to the act of revealing or enlightening someone about a particular truth or insight. It can be used in contexts ranging from literature, where it may refer to the moral of a story, to spiritual discussions indicating a divine revelation or insight gained through experience.

Strokes12Frequency#9667DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of enlightenment is often tied to philosophical thoughts, especially within Buddhism and Daoism, where revelations are seen as essential for personal growth and understanding the universe.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'key' (启 - qǐ) that unlocks a 'vision' (示 - shì) or insight. Visualize using this key to open a door that reveals a bright light, symbolizing enlightenment and understanding.

Meanings of 启示

qǐshì(qi3shi4)
1to reveal
2to enlighten
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 启示 means.

About 启示

启示Simplified
啟示Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9667Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 启示

JasonAmy

Podcast: 启示

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 启示

Quick Contrast

启发 (qǐfā) refers to inspiring or stimulating someone to think or act, while 启示 (qǐshì) emphasizes the act of revealing a truth or insight.

Usage Notes

This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so it's suitable for a wide range of discussions. Be careful not to confuse it with similar words like 明示 (míng shì), which means 'to clarify' rather than 'to reveal'.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 启示 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to understanding and interpretation. Focus on how it can be used in both everyday conversations and literary discussions to express deeper meanings.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 启示 with 说明 (shuō míng), which means 'to explain'. For example, saying '这本书的说明是...' (This book’s explanation is...) should be corrected to '这本书的启示是...' when referring to the moral or lesson of the book.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 启示

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 启示 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 启示 to you

Let me explain 启示 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 启示 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How well do you know 启示?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 启示 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

启QǐQi son of Yu the Great 禹[Yǔ], reported founder of the Xia Dynasty 夏朝[Xià Cháo] (c. 2070-c. 1600 BC)
HSK 77 strokes口
View full entry
示shìto show
5 strokes示
View full entry

How to say to reveal in Chinese

“to reveal” in Chinese is启示qǐshì

The term 启示 (qǐ shì) refers to the act of revealing or enlightening someone about a particular truth or insight. It can be used in contexts ranging from literature, where it may refer to the moral of a story, to spiritual discussions indicating a divine revelation or insight gained through experience.

When to use 启示

This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so it's suitable for a wide range of discussions. Be careful not to confuse it with similar words like 明示 (míng shì), which means 'to clarify' rather than 'to reveal'.

启示 or something close to it

启发 (qǐfā) refers to inspiring or stimulating someone to think or act, while 启示 (qǐshì) emphasizes the act of revealing a truth or insight.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 启示 with 说明 (shuō míng), which means 'to explain'. For example, saying '这本书的说明是...' (This book’s explanation is...) should be corrected to '这本书的启示是...' when referring to the moral or lesson of the book.

Write 启示

启
示

Practice writing 启示 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar patterns of 启示

启示 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 7 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

第七宫反映天秤的____:分 享或分离.

The 7 th reflects the lesson of Libra: share or separate.

Example sentences for 启示 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
第七宫反映天秤的启示:分 享或分离.

dì qī gōng fǎnyìng tiān chèng de qǐshì: fēn xiǎng huò fēnlí.

The 7 th reflects the lesson of Libra: share or separate.

Ask Jason

Have a question about 启示?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 启示

Yes, it can be used in casual settings to talk about insights gained from experiences.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 启示?

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.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab