Definition
启程 (qǐ chéng) means 'to set out on a journey' and is the standard, formal way to say this in written Chinese. Compared to 出发 (chūfā), which can be used for any departure (even a short trip or starting a race), 启程 specifically implies the beginning of a long-distance journey. 动身 (dòngshēn) is a near-synonym also used for journeys, but 启程 is more common in formal writing and announcements.
verb
to set out on a journeyto depart
Easily confused
- 起程qǐ chéngsound-aliketo set out; to depart (on a journey)
Examples
- 启程。Wǒmen míngtiān zǎoshang bā diǎn qǐ chéng.We set out at eight o'clock tomorrow morning.
- 启程。qǐ chéng zhīqián yídìng yào dài hǎo hùzhào.Be sure to bring your passport before departing.
- 启程，。Tā cōngcōng qǐ chéng, lián xíngli dōu méi ná.He set off in such a hurry that he didn't even take his luggage.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.