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March 24, 2026
启动(啟動)qǐdòng(qi3dong4)
启动 (qǐdòng) means to start or activate something, particularly machinery or operations. It is commonly used in contexts involving technology, such as turning on devices or initiating processes, and can also refer to launching plans or projects.
Frequency#2270DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In modern Chinese workplaces, '启动' is frequently used in discussions about projects and technological innovations, reflecting the fast-paced nature of business and technology in China.
Memory Tip
Think of '启动' as 'starting up' a car. The first character '启' looks like a door opening (to start), while '动' means movement. Imagine opening the door of a car and getting it moving! This imagery connects the sound 'qǐ' with 'start' and the action of 'dòng' as movement.
Meanings of 启动
qǐdòng(qi3dong4)
1to start (a machine)
2to set in movement
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About 启动
启动Simplified
啟動Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2
Podcast: 启动
Podcast: 启动
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AI Study Notes for 启动
Quick Contrast
启动 (qǐdòng) vs 开始 (kāishǐ): use 启动 when specifically referring to starting machinery or systems, while 开始 is more general for beginning any action or process.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '启动' as 'starting up' a car. The first character '启' looks like a door opening (to start), while '动' means movement. Imagine opening the door of a car and getting it moving! This imagery connects the sound 'qǐ' with 'start' and the action of 'dòng' as movement.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use '启动' in appropriate contexts; it's more formal than simply saying '开' (kāi) for 'turn on.' Common collocations include '启动机器' (qǐdòng jīqì) for 'start the machine' and '启动计划' (qǐdòng jìhuà) for 'launch a plan.'
HSK Study Tips
While '启动' is not specifically listed in HSK, it connects to other HSK vocabulary related to actions and processes. Focus on understanding its use in contexts involving technology and plans to build a practical vocabulary base.
Cultural Note
In modern Chinese workplaces, '启动' is frequently used in discussions about projects and technological innovations, reflecting the fast-paced nature of business and technology in China.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '启动' with '开始' (kāishǐ), which means 'to begin' in a broader sense. For example, saying '启动会议' (qǐdòng huìyì) instead of '开始会议' (kāishǐ huìyì) could be incorrect in casual conversation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 启动
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Cultural Notes for 启动
🏮Cultural insight
In modern Chinese workplaces, '启动' is frequently used in discussions about projects and technological innovations, reflecting the fast-paced nature of business and technology in China.
Frequently Asked Questions about 启动
Yes, you can use '启动' to refer to starting a vehicle, though '开车' (kāichē) is more common for driving.
Yes, but it is more commonly used in formal contexts, such as business operations or official projects.
'启动' is more formal and specific to starting mechanisms or processes, while '开' is a general term for opening or turning on.
