Meanings of 起程
By ear
Play it, then pick what 起程 means.
About 起程
Podcast: 起程
Podcast: 起程
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 起程
出发 (chūfā) - use 起程 (qǐchéng) when emphasizing the initiation of a journey, while 出发 (chūfā) is more general for 'departing'.
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 起程, as mispronouncing either character can change the meaning. It is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as travel itineraries or announcements, rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include '起程时间' (departure time) and '起程地点' (departure location).
Although not part of the official HSK vocabulary lists, understanding 起程 can enhance your ability to discuss travel, which is often featured in HSK speaking and writing tasks. Focus on using it in sentences related to travel plans, connecting it with other travel-related vocabulary at your level.
Learners often confuse 起程 with similar terms like 出发 (chū fā) and may incorrectly use them interchangeably. For example, saying '我起程了' (I set out) can sound awkward; '我出发了' would be more appropriate in casual contexts.
Pronunciation of 起程
Drill the tone of 起程, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 起程 to you
Let me explain 起程 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 起程 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 起程?
Learning Lab
Knowing 起程 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
Component characters
How to say to set out in Chinese
“to set out” in Chinese is起程
起程 (qǐ chéng) means 'to set out' or 'to leave' for a journey or travel. It is commonly used in contexts involving travel plans, such as departing from a location or starting a trip. The term conveys a sense of beginning a journey, whether it be physical or metaphorical.
When to use 起程
Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 起程, as mispronouncing either character can change the meaning. It is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as travel itineraries or announcements, rather than casual conversation. Common collocations include '起程时间' (departure time) and '起程地点' (departure location).
起程 or something close to it
出发 (chūfā) - use 起程 (qǐchéng) when emphasizing the initiation of a journey, while 出发 (chūfā) is more general for 'departing'.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 起程 with similar terms like 出发 (chū fā) and may incorrectly use them interchangeably. For example, saying '我起程了' (I set out) can sound awkward; '我出发了' would be more appropriate in casual contexts.
Write 起程
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 起程 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 起程?
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 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 起程
You can say '我们明天早上八点起程' (We will set out at 8 AM tomorrow).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 起程?
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.