Definition
起程 (qǐ chéng) is a formal, literary way to say 'set out on a journey,' often used in writing or announcements. It is more specific to the start of a trip than the everyday 出发 (chū fā), and similar in register to 动身 (dòng shēn) and 启程 (qǐ chéng), though 起程 is slightly more common in modern usage.
verb
to set outto depart (on a journey)
Easily confused
- 启程qǐ chéngsound-aliketo set out on a journey, to depart
Examples
- 起程。Wǒmen míngtiān xiàwǔ qǐ chéng qù Shànghǎi.We'll set out for Shanghai tomorrow afternoon.
- 起程。Tā zuótiān yǐjīng qǐ chéng le.He already set off yesterday.
- 起程？Zhè cì lǚxíng cóng nǎlǐ qǐ chéng ?Where does this trip depart from?
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