Chinese word

启示

Pronunciation

Pinyinqǐ shì

Meaning

  • nouninsight

Example

这部纪录片给了我很深的启示。zhè bù jì lù piàn gěi le wǒ hěn shēn de qǐ shì

This documentary gave me deep insight.

Illustration for 启示 (insight)

More examples

古代壁画的图案常给予后人的艺术创作启示。gǔ dài bì huà de tú àn cháng jí yǔ hòu rén de yì shù chuàng zuò qǐ shì

The patterns in ancient murals often give later generations insight for their artistic creations.

Core concept

A door in the mind opening onto a meaning or direction that was not clear before.

Common phrases

  • 给予启示jí yǔ qǐ shì

    give insight

  • 启示作用qǐ shì zuò yòng

    insight-giving role

  • 从中得到启示cóng zhōng dé dào qǐ shì

    gain insight from it

Similar words

灵感líng gǎn: A fresh idea or image that appears suddenly for creative work or thought.
提示tí shì: A small piece of practical advice that points toward a solution or decision.
指引zhí yǐn: A clear sense of direction for carrying out an action or developing a way of thinking.
线索xiàn suǒ: Information connected with an event or problem that helps uncover what happened or find a solution.

Definition in Chinese

由某一经历、信息或事物引发，使人获得重要认识或方向感的觉悟或提示。yóu mǒu yì jīng lì xìn xī huò shì wù yǐn fā shǐ rén huò dé zhòng yào rèn shí huò fāng xiàng gǎn de jué wù huò tí shì

Word origin

The compound 启 (qǐ, "open") + 示 (shì, "show") joins the ideas of opening and showing, which gives the word its sense of a new understanding becoming visible.

Usage tips

  • The word often has a thoughtful, somewhat formal tone, so it suits discussion of what a story or experience teaches more than casual talk about a simple idea.

Other meanings

  • implicationnoun
  • hintnoun

Related words

  • 启示录qǐ shì lùBook of Revelationnoun

Word lists with this word