Definition
起锚 is a verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to weigh anchor' — lifting the anchor to begin a voyage. Like other V-O compounds, it splits: the verb 起 takes aspect markers (了, 过) or other elements, while 锚 stays as the object. For example, 起了锚 means 'has weighed anchor.' This term is specific to maritime contexts.
v.o.
to weigh anchor
Examples
- 起锚。Chuán zài zǎoshang qī diǎn qǐ máo.The ship weighed anchor at seven in the morning.
- ,。Chuán qǐ le máo, zhǔnbèi chūfā.The ship weighed anchor and prepared to depart.
- 起锚,。qǐ máo hòu, chuán mànman kāi chū le gǎngkǒu.After weighing anchor, the ship slowly sailed out of the harbor.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.