Definition
起步 (qǐ bù) has two senses: a vehicle starting to move, and the early stage of a career/project. For vehicles, 开动 (kāi dòng) is more about starting the engine; 起步 focuses on the initial movement. For projects, 启动 (qǐ dòng) means to formally launch, while 起步 emphasizes the initial phase.
verb
(of a vehicle) to start movingto pull away(of a career, project, etc.) to startto begin
Easily confused
- 徒步tú bùlook-alikeon foot; by walking (especially for long-distance travel or hiking)
Examples
- 起步。Qìchē zài lǜdēng liàng hòu qǐ bù le.The car started moving after the green light came on.
- 起步，。Tā de gōngsī gāng qǐ bù, xūyào hěnduō zhīchí.His company just started and needs a lot of support.
- ，起步。Xué yì mén xīn yǔyán, qǐ bù jiēduàn zuì guānjiàn.When learning a new language, the starting stage is the most critical.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.