起程

• Pinyin: qǐ chéng
• Hanzi breakdown: 起 = 走 + 己 (start/rise); 程 = 禾 (grain) + 呈 (present) (journey/route/schedule)

Meaning

To set out; to begin a journey; to depart for a destination.

Slightly more literary than 出发. Often used in formal writing or contexts involving significant or long-distance journeys. Common in diplomatic, travel, and narrative contexts. Marks the moment of departure with a degree of solemnity.

Examples

1. 代表团于清晨六时整起程，踏上了为期两周的正式外交访问之旅。 At 6:00 a.m. sharp, the delegation set out on a two-week official diplomatic visit.
2. 他怀揣梦想，只身起程前往异乡，开始了人生新的篇章与征程。 Holding his dreams close, he set off alone for a faraway place and began a new chapter and journey in his life.
3. 一切准备就绪，探险队终于在黎明时分起程，向未知的北极深处进发。 With everything ready, the expedition finally set out at dawn, pushing toward the unknown depths of the Arctic.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, travel, narrative

Tone: solemn

Do Say

• 外交部长将于明日起程，对三个欧洲国家展开为期五天的正式国事访问。(The foreign minister will set out tomorrow on a formal five-day state visit to three European countries.)
• 经过充分准备，科考队在春季解冻后正式起程，奔赴南极内陆科考站。(After thorough preparation, the scientific expedition officially set out for the inland Antarctic research station after the spring thaw.)

Don't Say

• 我起程去买菜 — 起程 implies the beginning of a significant journey; use 出门/去 for everyday errands

Origin & History

起 (to rise/start) + 程 (journey/route) — to start the journey

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal