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March 24, 2026
一起yìqǐ(yi4qi3)
一起 (yīqǐ) means 'together' or 'with' and is commonly used to express the idea of doing something in unison or in the same location. It conveys a sense of companionship and collaboration, often used in both casual and formal contexts when inviting someone to join an activity or to indicate a collective action.
Frequency#132DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
The concept of togetherness is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, reflecting values of community and family. Events such as family meals or group outings often emphasize the importance of being together, which is captured in the use of 一起.
Memory Tip
Imagine two people, each holding one part of a puzzle, coming together to complete it. The character 一 represents 'one' or 'together,' while 起 suggests 'to rise' or 'to get up.' Picture them rising together to create a beautiful picture, symbolizing unity.
Meanings of 一起
yìqǐ(yi4qi3)
1in the same place
2together
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About 一起
一起Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#132Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 一起
Podcast: 一起
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AI Study Notes for 一起
Quick Contrast
一起 (yìqǐ) vs 一同 (yītóng) — use 一起 for casual or everyday contexts, while 一同 is more formal or literary.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two people, each holding one part of a puzzle, coming together to complete it. The character 一 represents 'one' or 'together,' while 起 suggests 'to rise' or 'to get up.' Picture them rising together to create a beautiful picture, symbolizing unity.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 一起 with 起来 (qǐlái), which means 'to rise up' or 'to get up.' 一起 is generally used in informal conversations, but it can also be appropriate in formal situations when discussing collective activities. Common collocations include 一起去 (yīqǐ qù - go together) and 一起吃饭 (yīqǐ chīfàn - eat together).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 一起 connects well with other basic verbs and phrases related to actions and activities. Students should focus on combining 一起 with verbs to practice forming sentences, enhancing their conversational skills.
Cultural Note
The concept of togetherness is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, reflecting values of community and family. Events such as family meals or group outings often emphasize the importance of being together, which is captured in the use of 一起.
Common Mistakes
Learners often incorrectly say 一起去的 (yīqǐ qù de) instead of simply 一起去 (yīqǐ qù), as the 的 is unnecessary in this context. Another mistake is saying 一起吃饭了 (yīqǐ chīfàn le) instead of just 一起吃饭 (yīqǐ chīfàn) when making a general statement.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 一起
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Grammar Patterns of 一起
一起 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 4 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.
The concept of togetherness is deeply embedded in Chinese culture, reflecting values of community and family. Events such as family meals or group outings often emphasize the importance of being together, which is captured in the use of 一起.
Frequently Asked Questions about 一起
Yes, 一起 can be used in formal contexts, such as inviting colleagues to an event, though you might also consider more formal phrases.
No, 一起 can also refer to activities or events, such as 一起参加活动 (yīqǐ cānjiā huódòng - participate in an event together).
一起 emphasizes doing something together, while 和 (hé) simply means 'and' or 'with'.
