启发
Traditional: 啟發
qǐ fā HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

这本书启发了我。
Zhè běn shū qǐfā le wǒ.
This book inspired me.
老师的话启发学生思考。
Lǎoshī de huà qǐfā xuéshēng sīkǎo.
The teacher's words inspire students to think.
他的故事启发了我。
Tā de gùshì qǐfā le wǒ.
His story illuminated me.
这本书启发了我。
Zhè běn shū qǐfā le wǒ.
This book inspired me.
老师启发学生思考。
Lǎoshī qǐfā xuéshēng sīkǎo.
The teacher inspires students to think.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 启 (qǐ) means 'to open' or 'start,' and 发 (fā) means 'to emit' or 'send out.' Think of it as 'opening up and emitting' new ideas—like a lightbulb turning on in someone's mind.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It frequently appears in educational, professional, and intellectual contexts, such as teaching, mentoring, discussions, or creative work, where one person helps another gain insight.

📖 Grammar Points

启发 is often used in structures like '启发 + someone + to do something' (e.g., 启发我们思考) or '受到/得到 + 启发' (e.g., 受到他的启发). It can also be modified by adverbs like 深深 (deeply) or 经常 (often).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 启发 aligns with educational values that emphasize indirect guidance and self-discovery, reflecting Confucian ideals where teachers or elders inspire rather than impose knowledge. It's often associated with cultivating independent thinking.

🔄 Similar Words

启发 differs from similar words like 启示 (qǐshì, which implies a revelation or divine inspiration, often more profound) and 鼓励 (gǔlì, to encourage, focusing on motivation rather than intellectual insight). 启发 emphasizes the process of sparking new thoughts or understanding.

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