出发
Traditional: 出發
chū fā HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我们八点出发。
Wǒmen bā diǎn chūfā.
We set off at eight o'clock.
出发前请检查。
Chūfā qián qǐng jiǎnchá.
Please check before departure.
他们从学校出发。
Tāmen cóng xuéxiào chūfā.
They depart from the school.
我们出发了。
Wǒmen chūfā le.
We set off.
他们明天出发。
Tāmen míngtiān chūfā.
They depart tomorrow.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 出 (chū) means 'to go out' and 发 (fā) can mean 'to send out'—together, they picture sending yourself out to start a journey. Think: 'Chu(出) go out to fa(发) start your trip.'

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. Common in travel-related situations, like leaving home, starting a trip, or beginning an outing. It often implies preparation before departure.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used with prepositions like 从 (cóng) to indicate the starting point, e.g., 从北京出发 (depart from Beijing). Can be modified by time words, e.g., 早上出发 (depart in the morning).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, punctuality is valued when 出发 for group activities or travel. It's common to confirm departure times in advance, as reflected in phrases like 准时出发 (depart on time).

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 离开 (líkāi, to leave), 出发 focuses more on the start of a journey toward a goal, while 离开 simply means to exit or depart from a place without emphasizing a destination. 启程 (qǐchéng) is a more formal synonym for 出发.

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