起飞
How to Understand
起飞 means 'takeoff' in English, typically referring to the moment an aircraft leaves the ground and begins its flight. It is most commonly used in aviation contexts but can also metaphorically describe the start of a new endeavor or success.
The character 起 (qǐ) originally meant 'to rise' or 'to start,' while 飞 (fēi) means 'to fly.' Together, they form a compound that literally translates to 'to rise and fly,' capturing the essence of an aircraft's departure from the ground.
起飞 is frequently used in news reports about flights, airport operations, and in idioms like 飞黄腾达 (fēi huáng téng dá), meaning 'to rise rapidly in success.' Understanding this term helps learners grasp aviation terminology and metaphors related to progress and achievement.