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启动 (qǐ dòng) — to start (a machine, device, or program); to launch (an operation, project, or plan)

Definition

启动 means to start or launch machines, systems, or large-scale projects/plans. Compared to the everyday 开机 (just turning a device on), 启动 is more formal and used for bigger operations; 发动 leans toward engines or mobilizing people.

verb
to start (a machine, device, or program)to launch (an operation, project, or plan)

Examples

  • 启动。
    Tā qǐ dòng le diàn nǎo jiù kāi shǐ gōng zuò.
    He started the computer and began working.
  • 启动。
    Zhè ge fāng àn yǐ jīng zhèng shì qǐ dòng le.
    This plan has been officially launched.
  • 启动。
    Gōng sī yào qǐ dòng yí gè xīn jì huà.
    The company is going to launch a new plan.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

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

启qǐopen; activate
动dòngmove

启 means to open or activate, and 动 means to move; the two similar actions combine to mean set in motion.

Characters in this word

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

This origin belongs to the traditional form 啟; 启 is its simplified writing.

For 启, the traditional form 啟 comes from an earlier shape with 戶 (door) and 又 (hand), showing a hand opening a door.

Open 启 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 動; 动 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
力力lìstrength
Sound part声符shēngfú
重
重zhòng動dòng
Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 動 uses 力 (strength) and 重 as a sound part; 重 refers to a heavy bag ready to be moved by a human. This note is about 動, not 动.

Open 动 →
Appears in
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