上马 (shàng mǎ) — to mount a horse; to start (a project, undertaking, etc.)
Definition
Literally 'mount a horse,' 上马 (shàngmǎ) extends figuratively to mean launching a project or initiative. As a verb phrase it can also be split with 了 or 的 between the two characters (上了马).
verb
to mount a horseto start (a project, undertaking, etc.)
Examples
- ，。Tā shàng le mǎ, rán hòu màn màn qí zǒu le.He mounted the horse and then slowly rode away.
- 上马。Zhè ge gōng chéng míng nián shàng mǎ.This project will start next year.
- 上马。Tā shàng mǎ de dòng zuò hěn shú liàn.His movements in mounting a horse are very skillful.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.