掀起 (xiān qǐ) — to lift, raise (a lid, cover, curtain, etc.); t…

Definition

Means to lift a cover or, figuratively, to set off a trend or controversy. Synonym 掀 is the same verb; 提起 is broader, including ‘mention a topic’.

verb

to liftraise (a lid, cover, curtain, etc.)to triggerset off (a wave of popularity, controversy, storm, etc.)

掀起，。
Tā qīng qīng de xiān qǐ le chuāng lián, kàn le kàn wài miàn.
He gently lifted the curtain to look outside.
掀起。
Zhè zhǒng xīn kē jì xiān qǐ le yì chǎng quán qiú xìng de gé mìng.
This new technology triggered a global revolution.
掀起。
Tā de fā yán xiān qǐ le guǎng fàn tǎo lùn.
His speech sparked widespread discussion.

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

补充bǔchōngVerb + complement

An action followed by its result or direction.

To 掀 something so it comes 起 is to lift it.

Characters in this word

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

扌欣掀

Meaning part形符xíngfú

扌Written in full as手shǒuhand

Sound part声符shēngfú

欣

欣xīn掀xiān

The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The left part 扌 is the hand radical, showing an action done with the hand. The right part 欣 gives the character its sound.

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

走巳起

Meaning part形符xíngfú

Sound part声符shēngfú

巳

Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

起 is made from 走 and 巳: 走 is the part connected with walking or running, and 巳 gives the sound.

Appears in