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起点 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
起点qǐdiǎnstarting pointHSK 6, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #8049, Hard
qǐdiǎn(qi3dian3)qi dian T3
  1. 1starting point
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March 24, 2026

起点(起點)qǐdiǎn(qi3dian3)

起点 (qǐ diǎn) refers to a starting point or the initial stage of a process, event, or journey. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as the beginning of a race or the start of a new phase in life.

Strokes19Frequency#8049DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, starting points can be significant in various contexts, such as education and career, where the concept of a 'starting point' is often associated with opportunities and new beginnings.

Memory tip

Imagine a runner at the starting line of a race, which is their 起点 (qǐ diǎn). The character 起 (qǐ) looks like a person starting to rise, while 点 (diǎn) resembles a dot marking the location of that start. Together, they vividly illustrate the concept of a starting point.

Meanings of 起点

qǐdiǎn(qi3dian3)
1starting point
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About 起点

起点Simplified
起點Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

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Podcast: 起点

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AI study notes for 起点

Quick Contrast

起始点 (qǐshǐ diǎn) is more formal and often used in technical contexts, while 起点 (qǐdiǎn) is more commonly used in everyday language.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 起点 with related terms like 终点 (zhōng diǎn), which means 'end point.' It's important to use 起点 in contexts that emphasize beginnings rather than endings. The term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 起点 is not an HSK word, it connects well with other basic vocabulary related to time and events, such as 开始 (kāi shǐ, to begin) and 过程 (guò chéng, process). Focus on using it in sentences about beginnings and transitions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 起点 to describe an ending, saying '我的起点是这里' (wǒ de qǐ diǎn shì zhèlǐ, 'my starting point is here') when they mean 'end point.' The correct term for end point is 终点 (zhōng diǎn).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 起点

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Component characters

起qǐto rise
HSK 310 strokes走
View full entry
点diǎnpoint
HSK 19 strokes灬
View full entry

How to say starting point in Chinese

“starting point” in Chinese is起点qǐdiǎn

起点 (qǐ diǎn) refers to a starting point or the initial stage of a process, event, or journey. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as the beginning of a race or the start of a new phase in life.

When to use 起点

Learners often confuse 起点 with related terms like 终点 (zhōng diǎn), which means 'end point.' It's important to use 起点 in contexts that emphasize beginnings rather than endings. The term is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

起点 or something close to it

起始点 (qǐshǐ diǎn) is more formal and often used in technical contexts, while 起点 (qǐdiǎn) is more commonly used in everyday language.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 起点 to describe an ending, saying '我的起点是这里' (wǒ de qǐ diǎn shì zhèlǐ, 'my starting point is here') when they mean 'end point.' The correct term for end point is 终点 (zhōng diǎn).

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起
点

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Frequently asked questions about 起点

Yes, 起点 can refer to both literal starting points, like the starting line of a race, and metaphorical beginnings, such as starting a new job.

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