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March 24, 2026
出发(出發)chūfā(chu1fa1)
出发 (chūfā) means to set off or start a journey. It is commonly used when referring to leaving for a trip, whether by foot, vehicle, or any form of transport. This term can also express the idea of embarking on a new phase or venture in life.
Frequency#1165DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, setting off on a journey often comes with rituals, such as saying goodbye to family and friends and wishing for a safe trip, reflecting the importance of relationships in these transitions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person '出' (chū) stepping out of a door and '发' (fā) sending off a wave to signify the beginning of their adventure. The character '出' resembles an open door, while '发' suggests the act of launching forward.
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AI Study Notes for 出发
Quick Contrast
出发 (set off) vs 动身 (set out) — use 出发 when emphasizing the start of a journey, while 动身 can imply a more immediate action of departing.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person '出' (chū) stepping out of a door and '发' (fā) sending off a wave to signify the beginning of their adventure. The character '出' resembles an open door, while '发' suggests the act of launching forward.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 出发 with other verbs like 开始 (kāishǐ) which means 'to begin.' 出发 is specifically for journeys, while 开始 is more general. Be mindful of using the correct context, as 出发 is often used in travel-related conversations.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 4, 出发 is essential for discussing travel, which connects with other vocabulary like 旅行 (lǚxíng - travel) and 到达 (dàodá - to arrive). Focus on situational dialogues that involve planning trips to reinforce usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, setting off on a journey often comes with rituals, such as saying goodbye to family and friends and wishing for a safe trip, reflecting the importance of relationships in these transitions.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 出发 when they mean to say 'begin' in a general sense, leading to sentences like '我们出发这个项目' (Wǒmen chūfā zhège xiàngmù). The correct phrase should be '我们开始这个项目' (Wǒmen kāishǐ zhège xiàngmù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 出发
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Grammar Patterns of 出发
出发 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 3 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.
huǒ chē cóng huá tiě lú zhàn chū fā， ， tú zhōng huì zài ā shí fú dé zhàn tíng kào shàng。
Trains will operate from Waterloo with a pick-up stop at Ashford.
10
他明天将出发去参加他的首场比赛。
tā míng tiān jiāng chū fā qù cān jiā tā de shǒu cháng bǐ sài。
He is leaving tomorrow to play his first match.
Cultural Notes for 出发
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, setting off on a journey often comes with rituals, such as saying goodbye to family and friends and wishing for a safe trip, reflecting the importance of relationships in these transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 出发
You can say, '我们今天晚上出发去北京' (Wǒmen jīntiān wǎnshàng chūfā qù Běijīng) which means 'We will set off for Beijing tonight.'
While 出发 primarily refers to physical journeys, it can metaphorically describe starting a new endeavor, like a project or personal goal.
