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企图 (qǐ tú) — to attempt (usu. something bad or risky); (noun) attempt, scheme

Definition

企图 emphasizes a deliberate, often ill-fated or malicious scheme — stronger and more negative than 试图 or 尝试 (neutral 'try'). Functions as both verb and noun.

verb
to attempt (usu. something bad or risky)
noun
attemptscheme
Measure word · 种

Examples

  • 企图，。
    Tā qǐ tú cóng yín háng tōu qián, dàn bèi jǐng chá zhuā zhù le.
    He attempted to steal money from the bank, but was caught by the police.
  • 企图，。
    Dí rén qǐ tú pò huài nà zuò qiáo, dàn méi yǒu chéng gōng.
    The enemy attempted to destroy that bridge, but did not succeed.
  • 企图，。
    Jǐng chá de qǐ tú méi yǒu chéng gōng, huài rén pǎo zǒu le.
    The police's attempt was unsuccessful; the bad guy ran away.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

企qǐlook up
图túplan

An attempt combines 企, suggesting eager looking, with 图, meaning to plan.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

企 pairs 人 (person) with 止 (foot), showing a person standing on tiptoes.

Open 企 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 圖; 图 is its simplified writing.

  • 囗囗wéiwalled city
  • 啚啚bǐ

The traditional form 圖 pairs 囗, a walled city, with 啚, an early form meaning remote areas or territory. The simplified 图 is a later abbreviation.

Open 图 →
Appears in
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