Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
启示 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
启示qǐshìto revealHSK 6, v, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìto enlightenHSK 6, v, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìenlightenmentHSK 6, v, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìrevelationHSK 6, v, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìilluminationHSK 6, v, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìmoral (of a story etc)HSK 6, unknown, rank #9667, Hard
启示qǐshìlessonHSK 6, unknown, rank #9667, Hard
qǐshì(qi3shi4) T3
  1. 1to reveal
  2. 2to enlighten
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
启示(啟示)qǐshì(qi3shi4)

The term 启示 (qǐ shì) refers to the act of revealing or enlightening someone about a particular truth or insight. It can be used in contexts ranging from literature, where it may refer to the moral of a story, to spiritual discussions indicating a divine revelation or insight gained through experience.

Frequency#9667DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of enlightenment is often tied to philosophical thoughts, especially within Buddhism and Daoism, where revelations are seen as essential for personal growth and understanding the universe.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'key' (启 - qǐ) that unlocks a 'vision' (示 - shì) or insight. Visualize using this key to open a door that reveals a bright light, symbolizing enlightenment and understanding.

Meanings of 启示

qǐshì(qi3shi4)
1to reveal
2to enlighten
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 启示

启示Simplified
啟示Traditional
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9667Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 启示

JasonAmy

Podcast: 启示

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 启示

Quick Contrast

启发 (qǐfā) refers to inspiring or stimulating someone to think or act, while 启示 (qǐshì) emphasizes the act of revealing a truth or insight.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'key' (启 - qǐ) that unlocks a 'vision' (示 - shì) or insight. Visualize using this key to open a door that reveals a bright light, symbolizing enlightenment and understanding.

Usage Notes

This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, so it's suitable for a wide range of discussions. Be careful not to confuse it with similar words like 明示 (míng shì), which means 'to clarify' rather than 'to reveal'.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 启示 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to understanding and interpretation. Focus on how it can be used in both everyday conversations and literary discussions to express deeper meanings.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of enlightenment is often tied to philosophical thoughts, especially within Buddhism and Daoism, where revelations are seen as essential for personal growth and understanding the universe.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 启示 with 说明 (shuō míng), which means 'to explain'. For example, saying '这本书的说明是...' (This book’s explanation is...) should be corrected to '这本书的启示是...' when referring to the moral or lesson of the book.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 启示

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 启示 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

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
View full entry
shìto show
5 strokes
View full entry

Write 启示

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

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 启示

启示 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 7 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.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

第七宫反映天秤的____:分 享或分离.

The 7 th reflects the lesson of Libra: share or separate.

Example Sentences for 启示 (1)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
第七宫反映天秤的启示:分 享或分离.

dì qī gōng fǎn yìng tiān chèng de qǐ shì: : fēn xiǎng huò.

The 7 th reflects the lesson of Libra: share or separate.

Cultural Notes for 启示

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of enlightenment is often tied to philosophical thoughts, especially within Buddhism and Daoism, where revelations are seen as essential for personal growth and understanding the universe.

Frequently Asked Questions about 启示

Yes, it can be used in casual settings to talk about insights gained from experiences.