启发 (qǐfā)

启发 means to inspire, enlighten, or stimulate someone's thinking, and as a noun it refers to the inspiration or insight gained, often used in educational and intellectual contexts.

Meanings

[verb] to inspire; to enlighten; to stimulate thinking
[noun] inspiration; enlightenment; insight

Example Sentences

老师的一番话深深启发了他。 Lǎoshī de yī fān huà shēnshēn qǐfā le tā. The teacher's words deeply inspired him.

这本书给了我很大的启发。 Zhè běn shū gěi le wǒ hěn dà de qǐfā. This book gave me a great deal of inspiration.

好的教育应该启发学生独立思考。 Hǎo de jiàoyù yīnggāi qǐfā xuésheng dúlì sīkǎo. Good education should inspire students to think independently.

这次参观博物馆对孩子们很有启发性。 Zhè cì cānguān bówùguǎn duì háizimen hěn yǒu qǐfā xìng. This museum visit was very inspiring for the children.

她从大自然中获得了创作的启发。 Tā cóng dàzìrán zhōng huòdé le chuàngzuò de qǐfā. She drew creative inspiration from nature.

这场演讲令在场的所有人都受到了启发。 Zhè chǎng yǎnjiǎng lìng zàichǎng de suǒyǒu rén dōu shòudào le qǐfā. This speech inspired everyone present.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
给予启发	to provide inspiration
受到启发	to receive inspiration; to be inspired
启发性	inspiring; thought-provoking
启发思考	to inspire thinking
有所启发	to gain some inspiration
颇有启发	quite inspiring

Usage Notes

启发 focuses on stimulating the mind or opening up new ways of thinking, rather than just providing information. The verb 启发 often takes a person as its object (启发学生, inspire students) or is used in the passive with 受到 (受到启发, to be inspired by).

Compare 启发 with 激励 (motivate, encourage) -- 启发 emphasizes intellectual or creative awakening, while 激励 emphasizes motivating someone to take action or work harder. The adjective form 启发性 (inspiring, thought-provoking) is commonly used in academic and educational writing.

Memory Hook

启 means "to open" and 发 means "to release/ignite." 启发 is to open and ignite the mind -- to spark inspiration, like lighting a fuse on someone's creativity.