启动 meaning in English

qǐdòng

to start (a machine); (fig.) to set in motion

HSK 5verbTraditional 啟動13 strokes

Meaning of 启动

Definitions from CC-CEDICT.

qǐdòng

to start (a machine)
(fig.) to set in motion
to launch (an operation)
to activate (a plan)

How to use 启动

启动 is used for starting machines, computers, apps and engines, and also for launching projects, plans or programs in formal or news language. Example: 这个项目下个月正式启动。(Zhège xiàngmù xià gè yuè zhèngshì qǐdòng.) This project will officially launch next month.

启 (qǐ) means to open or begin, and 动 (dòng) means to move. Put them together and you open something up and make it move, like pressing the start button on a machine.

Common mistake: Learners often use 启动 for starting everyday activities, like 启动学习. For that, use 开始 (kāishǐ) instead. 启动 fits machines, systems and formal projects. Also watch the tone on 启: it is third tone qǐ. Do not say second tone qí.

启动 in example sentences

Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.

你nǐ们men需xū要yào重chóng新xīn启qǐ动dòng电diàn脑nǎo。

You need to reboot your computer.

你nǐ试shì过guò重zhòng新xīn启qǐ动dòng它tā吗ma？

Have you tried rebooting it?

重chóng新xīn启qǐ动dòng你nǐ的de电diàn脑nǎo。

Restart your computer.

把bǎ电diàn脑nǎo重chóng新xīn启qǐ动dòng

Reboot the computer.

你nǐ必bì须xū重chóng新xīn启qǐ动dòng你nǐ的de电diàn脑nǎo。

You must reboot your computer.

Stroke order for each character

Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.

启 qǐ · to open · 7 strokes

动 dòng · to move · 6 strokes

Related words

Words that share a character with 启动.

动作	dòngzuò	movement; motion; action; to act; to move
行动	xíngdòng	operation; action
动物	dòngwù	animal
活动	huódòng	to exercise; to move about; to work out; shaky; unsteady; loose (tooth etc)
运动	yùndòng	to move; to exercise
感动	gǎndòng	to move (sb); to touch (sb emotionally)
动物园	dòngwùyuán	zoo
发动	fādòng	to start; to launch
自动	zìdòng	automatic; voluntarily
主动	zhǔdòng	to take the initiative; to do sth of one's own accord
动力	dònglì	motive power; (fig.) motivation; impetus
推动	tuīdòng	to push (e.g. for acceptance of a plan); to promote; to give impetus to

Questions about 启动

What does 启动 mean?

启动 (qǐdòng) means "to start (a machine); (fig.) to set in motion" and is used as a verb.

How do you write 启动?

启动 is made of 2 characters: 启 (7 strokes), 动 (6 strokes). That is 13 strokes in total.

Is 启动 an HSK word?

Yes. 启动 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.

How is 启动 written in traditional Chinese?

In traditional characters, 启动 is written 啟動.

What is the difference between 启动 and 开始?

开始 (kāishǐ) is a general word for beginning anything, like work, class or a movie. 启动 is more technical or formal. It is used for powering on machines and software, or for officially launching plans and operations.

How do I say restart a computer in Chinese?

Say 重新启动 (chóngxīn qǐdòng) or the short form 重启 (chóngqǐ). For example, 请重启电脑。(Qǐng chóngqǐ diànnǎo.) means Please restart the computer.