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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'take off' with 起飞 (qǐfēi)

    Actions & Events
    Direction & Movement

    Structure

    Subject + 起飞

    Explanation

    The verb 起飞 (qǐfēi) means 'to take off' and is primarily used for aircraft, rockets, and other flying vehicles departing from the ground. It combines 起 (to rise) and 飞 (to fly) and can also be used figuratively to describe rapid growth or development.

    Examples

    • 飞机马上就要起飞了，请系好安全带。

      fēijī mǎshàng jiù yào qǐfēi le, qǐng jì hǎo ānquándài.

      The plane is about to take off; please fasten your seatbelt.

    • 我们的航班延误了，要晚一个小时才能起飞。

      wǒmen de hángbān yánwù le, yào wǎn yí ge xiǎoshí cái néng qǐfēi.

      Our flight is delayed and won't be able to take off until an hour later.

    • 这家公司的业务最近真的起飞了。

      zhè jiā gōngsī de yèwù zuìjìn zhēn de qǐfēi le.

      This company's business has really taken off recently.

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    Expressing 'take off' with 起飞 (qǐfēi) | Chinese Grammar