起跑

qǐpǎo

verb #17,801

Meanings

1 to start running
2 the start of a race

Characters

to start; to rise

Literally 'start running' — used for the beginning of a race.

Examples

运动员们准备起跑。

Yùndòngyuánmen zhǔnbèi qǐpǎo.

The athletes are ready to start the race.

裁判一声令下，大家一起起跑。

Cáipàn yī shēng lìng xià, dàjiā yīqǐ qǐpǎo.

At the referee's command, everyone started running together.

Tips

usage

起跑线 (starting line) is commonly used figuratively: 不要输在起跑线上 means 'don't lose at the starting line' — i.e., get a head start in life.

Stroke Order

起 qǐ

跑 pǎo