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启程 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
启程qǐchéngto set out on a journeyHSK 7, n, rank #10771, Hard
qǐchéng(qi3cheng2) T3
  1. 1to set out on a journey
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March 24, 2026
启程(啟程)qǐchéng(qi3cheng2)

启程 refers to the act of starting a journey or embarking on a trip. It is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as beginning a new phase in life or a new project. The term conveys a sense of anticipation and adventure associated with setting off.

Frequency#10771DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the idea of embarking on a journey often symbolizes new beginnings, such as starting a business or going to school. This reflects the importance of change and progression in personal and professional life.

Memory Tip

Think of 启程 as 'Q' for 'Quest' (qi) and 'Cheng' sounds like 'Change'. Imagine setting off on a quest for change, with the character 启 representing a door being opened to new opportunities.

Meanings of 启程

qǐchéng(qi3cheng2)
1to set out on a journey
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

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About 启程

启程Simplified
啟程Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10771Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 启程

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Podcast: 启程

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AI Study Notes for 启程

Quick Contrast

出发 (chūfā) - use 启程 for a more formal or literary tone, while 出发 is more casual.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 启程 as 'Q' for 'Quest' (qi) and 'Cheng' sounds like 'Change'. Imagine setting off on a quest for change, with the character 启 representing a door being opened to new opportunities.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 启程 in contexts where a more specific term for starting (like 开始) would be appropriate. This term is generally used in formal contexts, so it's best suited for travel itineraries or announcements rather than casual conversation.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 启程 connects to themes of travel and transition, which are common in advanced vocabulary. Students should focus on using it in complete sentences to describe journeys or significant life changes.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the idea of embarking on a journey often symbolizes new beginnings, such as starting a business or going to school. This reflects the importance of change and progression in personal and professional life.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 启程 with 出发, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我今天出发去旅行' (I am departing today for travel) is correct, but saying '我今天启程去旅行' may sound overly formal or poetic.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 启程

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Component Characters

Qi son of Yu the Great 禹[Yǔ], reported founder of the Xia Dynasty 夏朝[Xià Cháo] (c. 2070-c. 1600 BC)
HSK 77 strokes
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chéngrule
HSK 712 strokes
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Write 启程

Practice writing 启程 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 启程

启程 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

我定在6月29日____。

D-day for my departure was set for 29th June.

Example Sentences for 启程 (3)

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1
我定在6月29日启程。

wǒ dìng zài6 629 yuè 29 rì。

D-day for my departure was set for 29th June.
2
我们填饱了肚子便启程北京.

wǒ mén tián bǎo le dù zǐ biàn qǐ chéng běi jīng.

We put the calories in our stomachs and set off for Beijing.
3
我们明天乘“阿戈西”号启程.

wǒ mén míng tiān chéng“ “ ā gē” xī ” hào.

We sail tomorrow on the Argosy.

Cultural Notes for 启程

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the idea of embarking on a journey often symbolizes new beginnings, such as starting a business or going to school. This reflects the importance of change and progression in personal and professional life.

Frequently Asked Questions about 启程

Yes, 启程 can be used metaphorically to describe starting a new job as it signifies embarking on a new journey.