[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Anatomy-and-Living \ #Body-Movements # 起 qǐ to rise, to get up; to begin, to start ## Components [[走 (zǒu)]] [[走 zǒu]] [[己 (jǐ)]] ## Meaning Nowadays, the character "起" (qǐ) primarily means: 1. **To Rise or Get Up**: Refers to the physical act of rising from a sitting or lying position. 2. **To Begin or Start**: Used to indicate the start of an action or event. 3. **To Emerge or Arise**: Implies the occurrence or appearance of something. 4. **To Establish or Set Up**: Means to create or set up something new. 5. **To Initiate or Launch**: Refers to starting an activity or movement, such as a rebellion. 6. **Measure Word**: Used to quantify events or cases, such as "一起案件" (one case). ## History The character "起" (qǐ) originally meant to stand up or rise. It evolved from seal script depicting the start of movement. Its meanings expanded to include rising or ascending (e.g., "风起云涌" - the wind rises, and clouds surge), occurring or emerging (e.g., "祸起萧墙" - troubles arise within one's own family), establishing (e.g., "另起炉灶" - set up a separate hearth), and initiating (e.g., "起义" - rebellion). It can also be a measure word for events or cases, like "一起案件" (one case). ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ![[起 qǐ -sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[起 qǐ - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[起 qǐ - reg.svg]]