起飞

• Pinyin: qǐ fēi
• Hanzi breakdown: 起 (qǐ) = 走 (walk) + 己 (self); 飞 (fēi) = simplified from 飛, a pictograph of a bird in flight

Meaning

To take off; to lift off. Used when an aircraft leaves the ground and begins to fly.

Primarily an aviation term for airplanes departing. Also used figuratively in modern slang to describe rapid growth or success, similar to English 'taking off.' Very common in travel contexts when discussing flight departures.

Examples

1. 飞机马上就要起飞了。 The plane is about to take off.
2. 我们的航班几点起飞？ What time does our flight take off?
3. 飞机刚刚起飞了。 The plane just took off.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, airport, aviation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 飞机九点起飞。(The plane takes off at nine.)
• 请在起飞前关闭手机。(Please turn off your phone before takeoff.)

Don't Say

• 不要用起飞来说火车出发 (Don't use 起飞 for trains or buses departing — use 出发 or 开; 起飞 is only for aircraft)

Origin & History

起 (qǐ, to rise/to get up) + 飞 (fēi, to fly). Literally 'rise and fly' — a straightforward description of an aircraft departing.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal