Definition
启航 means 'to set sail' or 'to take off', referring to the start of a journey by ship or plane. You can also use it figuratively to mean 'embarking on a new endeavor' — for example, starting a career or a new phase of life. It is more formal and epic in tone than simpler alternatives like 出发 (to depart).
v
(literal) to set sailto take off(figurative) to embark on (a new journey, career, etc.)
Examples
- ,启航。Míngtiān zǎoshang, zhè sōu huòchuán jiāng qǐ háng qiánwǎng Shànghǎi.Tomorrow morning, this cargo ship will set sail for Shanghai.
- 启航。Wǒmen de hángbān jiāng zài xiàwǔ sān diǎn qǐ háng.Our flight will take off at three in the afternoon.
- ,启航。Bìyè zhīhòu, tā qǐ háng le xīn de zhíyè shēngyá.After graduation, he embarked on a new career.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.