出发 — meaning in English: set off

chūfā · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for departure

压力

yālì

出发

chūfā

类

lèi

顶

dǐng

字符串

zìfú chuàn

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 出发 (chūfā) when discussing travel plans, such as setting off on a trip or embarking on a journey. For instance, you might hear someone say, '我们明天早上八点出发,' meaning 'We will set off at 8 AM tomorrow.' It’s also common in a casual context among friends planning a hike or a road trip.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 走 (zǒu), which means 'to walk' or 'to go.' However, 出发 (chūfā) specifically implies starting a journey or departure, making it more suitable when indicating the beginning of a trip. You would choose 出发 (chūfā) when emphasizing the act of setting off, while 走 (zǒu) might be more general.

Culture

The term 出发 (chūfā) is composed of two characters: 出 (chū), meaning 'to go out,' and 发 (fā), meaning 'to send or emit.' This reflects a fundamental aspect of Chinese culture, where travel and journeying are often celebrated in literature and poetry. In fact, many famous Chinese poems and sayings emphasize the importance of setting off on a journey as a metaphor for personal growth and exploration.

FAQ

Q.What does 出发 (chūfā) mean in English?

出发 (chūfā) translates to 'set off' in English. It refers to the act of starting a journey or departing from a location.

Q.How do you use 出发 in a sentence?

You can use 出发 (chūfā) in sentences like '我们出发去北京,' which means 'We set off for Beijing.' It's often paired with a time or destination.

Q.Are there common mistakes to avoid when using 出发?

A common mistake is to use 出发 in contexts where you would simply say 'go' or 'leave.' Make sure to reserve 出发 for contexts involving the start of a journey or travel.

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