kāiqǐ: 开启 - To Open, Start, Initiate, Launch, Enable
Quick Summary
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Summary: Learn the meaning and use of 开启 (kāiqǐ), a versatile Chinese verb for “to open,” “start,” “initiate,” or “launch.” This page breaks down how 开启 (kāiqǐ) is used for more formal or abstract beginnings—like launching a project, starting a new era, or enabling a function on your phone—and contrasts it with the simpler verb 开 (kāi). Discover its cultural significance and see practical examples to master its usage in both technology and formal situations.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): kāiqǐ
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: To formally start, initiate, launch, or enable something, often abstract or significant.
In a Nutshell: Think of 开启 (kāiqǐ) as a “grand opening.” You don't use it for simple, everyday actions like opening a door (that's 开, kāi). Instead, you use 开启 (kāiqǐ) when you're starting something more significant: launching a new campaign, beginning a journey, enabling a feature in an app, or “opening” a new chapter in your life. It adds a sense of formality and importance to the act of beginning.
Character Breakdown
开 (kāi): This character means “to open,” “to start,” or “to turn on.” Its traditional form (開) often depicts a gate (門) with a bar being lifted, visually representing the act of opening.
启 (qǐ): This character means “to start,” “to open,” or “to enlighten.” It contains the character for door (户) and mouth (口), suggesting the act of opening a door or speaking to begin something new.
Combined Meaning: Putting 开 (open) and 启 (start) together creates a more formal and powerful word. It emphasizes the initiation or commencement of something, rather than just the simple physical action of opening.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, beginnings are often marked with a sense of ceremony and importance. 开启 (kāiqǐ) captures this feeling perfectly. It's the verbal equivalent of a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It implies that what is starting is not trivial; it's a new phase, a new project, or a new possibility.
A good Western comparison is the difference between “open” and “commence” or “launch.”
You open a window. (Simple, physical action).
You commence a meeting or launch a space shuttle. (Formal, significant, marks the beginning of a process).
开启 (kāiqǐ) is much closer to “commence” or “launch.” It's used when discussing history (“开启了新时代” - launched a new era), personal development (“开启人生的新篇章” - began a new chapter in life), and technology (“开启蓝牙” - enable Bluetooth), where an action initiates a new state or process.
Practical Usage in Modern China
开启 (kāiqǐ) is extremely common in both formal and technological contexts.
Technology & Software: This is one of its most frequent modern uses. It's the standard term for “to enable” a function or setting on a phone, computer, or in an app.
e.g., Enabling Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb mode, or specific permissions for an app.
Formal & Business Settings: Used to announce the beginning of an event, project, or initiative.
e.g., To launch a new marketing plan, to start a conference, to initiate a partnership.
Literary & Abstract Language: Used to describe the beginning of something intangible or metaphorical.
e.g., To start a journey, to begin a new chapter, to open a discussion.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
请开启手机的飞行模式。
Pinyin: Qǐng kāiqǐ shǒujī de fēixíng móshì.
English: Please enable the airplane mode on your phone.
Analysis: A classic example of using 开启 for a digital function. This is the most common and practical usage for learners to master first.
Example 2:
这项新政策开启了改革的新篇章。
Pinyin: Zhè xiàng xīn zhèngcè kāiqǐ le gǎigé de xīn piānzhāng.
English: This new policy opened a new chapter of reform.
Analysis: Here, 开启 is used metaphorically to signify the start of a new, important phase. It's formal and impactful.
Example 3:
我们即将开启一段充满挑战的旅程。
Pinyin: Wǒmen jíjiāng kāiqǐ yí duàn chōngmǎn tiǎozhàn de lǚchéng.
English: We are about to embark on a journey full of challenges.
Analysis: 开启 frames the “journey” (旅程) as a significant undertaking, not just a simple trip.
Example 4:
点击这里开启高级功能。
Pinyin: Diǎnjī zhèlǐ kāiqǐ gāojí gōngnéng.
English: Click here to enable advanced features.
Analysis: Another common technological use, often seen on websites and in software interfaces.
Example 5:
他的演讲为我们开启了全新的思路。
Pinyin: Tā de yǎnjiǎng wèi wǒmen kāiqǐ le quánxīn de sīlù.
English: His speech opened up a whole new way of thinking for us.
Analysis: This shows 开启 used for abstract concepts like thought processes or ideas.
English: You need to enable location services to use this app.
Analysis: Another very practical example from the world of smartphone apps.
Example 9:
教育为他开启了成功的大门。
Pinyin: Jiàoyù wèi tā kāiqǐ le chénggōng de dàmén.
English: Education opened the door to success for him.
Analysis: A common metaphorical phrase. While you physically “开” (kāi) a door, you metaphorically “开启” the door to opportunity.
Example 10:
让我们开启今天的讨论吧。
Pinyin: Ràng wǒmen kāiqǐ jīntiān de tǎolùn ba.
English: Let's start today's discussion.
Analysis: A good phrase to use when leading a meeting or a group discussion. It sets a slightly more formal and structured tone than just saying “let's start.”
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake is confusing 开启 (kāiqǐ) with 开 (kāi). They both mean “to open/start,” but are not interchangeable.
Rule of Thumb: If the action is simple, physical, and everyday, use 开 (kāi). If it's abstract, formal, digital, or metaphorical, use 开启 (kāiqǐ).
Correct Usage:
我 开 门。(Wǒ kāi mén.) - I open the door. (Physical action)
我 开 灯。(Wǒ kāi dēng.) - I turn on the light. (Simple action)
Why it's wrong: Opening a window is a simple, physical act. The formality of 开启 is unnecessary and sounds strange.
CORRECT: 我 开 了窗户。(Wǒ kāi le chuānghu.)
Incorrect Usage:
WRONG (or at least, less standard): 你 开 一下手机的WiFi。(Nǐ kāi yíxià shǒujī de WiFi.)
Why it's wrong: While people will understand you, the standard and more precise term for enabling a software function is 开启.
CORRECT: 你 开启 一下手机的WiFi。(Nǐ kāiqǐ yíxià shǒujī de WiFi.)
Related Terms and Concepts
开 (kāi) - The basic verb for “to open” (a door), “turn on” (a light), or “to start” (a car). 开启 is a more formal version for abstract concepts.
开始 (kāishǐ) - The most common and neutral word for “to start” or “to begin.” It can be used in almost any situation, formal or informal. 开启 is often more formal or literary.
启动 (qǐdòng) - To launch or start up, especially a machine, program, or a large-scale plan. It emphasizes the process of getting something running from a standstill, like “booting up” a computer.
打开 (dǎkāi) - To open up. Very similar to 开, often used for things you can physically open wide, like a book, a box, or a file on a computer.
开幕 (kāimù) - “To open the curtain.” Specifically used for the opening ceremony of an event, performance, or conference.
关闭 (guānbì) - The direct antonym of 开启. It means to close, shut down, or disable (a function, a program, a system).
启用 (qǐyòng) - A very close synonym of 开启, meaning “to put into use” or “to enable.” It is often used in very formal or technical written language.