启发 qǐfā to enlighten
to enlighten; to explain (a text etc); to stimulate (a mental attitude); enlightenment; revelation; motivation
How to remember 启发: 启 to open + 发 send out = to enlighten.
Characters
How it is used
- To inspire, to spark insight/understanding - 老师的话启发了我 (lǎoshī de huà qǐfāle wǒ) the teacher's words gave me new insight.
- As a noun: 受到启发 (shòudào qǐfā) to be inspired, 很有启发 illuminating.
- About triggering thought/realization, not motivating action (that's 激励).
Example sentences
- 他们的评论很有启发性。 Tāmen de pínglùn hěn yǒu qǐfāxìng.Their comments were illuminating.