起程 qǐchéng to set out
to set out; to leave
How to remember 起程: 起 rise up + 程 process = to set out.
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How it is used
- To set off on a journey / depart - 明天起程 (míngtiān qǐchéng) to set out tomorrow; 起程回国 (qǐchéng huíguó) to depart for home.
- Slightly formal; about beginning a trip. Also written 启程 (qǐchéng), the more common variant.
- Contrast 起步 (qǐbù, to get started, broad); 起程 specifically means leaving on a journey.