掀起

xiānqǐ

verb HSK 7-9 #11,092

Meanings

1 to set off; to trigger (a trend, wave)
2 to lift up; to raise

Characters

to lift; to surge

Literally 'lift up.' Used figuratively for waves, trends, and movements that surge upward.

Examples

HSK 7-9

这首歌掀起了一股怀旧热潮。

Zhè shǒu gē xiānqǐ le yì gǔ huáijiù rècháo.

This song set off a wave of nostalgia.

HSK 7-9

他的演讲掀起了一场辩论。

Tā de yǎnjiǎng xiānqǐ le yì chǎng biànlùn.

His speech triggered a debate.

Tips

usage

掀起 is the standard verb for describing trends, movements, or waves of enthusiasm. You'll see it constantly in news: 掀起热潮 (set off a craze), 掀起浪潮 (stir up a wave), 掀起风暴 (trigger a storm).

Stroke Order

掀 xiān

起 qǐ