启示

qǐshì

to reveal

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"启示" (qǐ shì) primarily means a revelation, insight, or inspiration that opens one's understanding. It often refers to sudden realizations or important lessons derived from experiences, discoveries, or symbolic signs.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used in literary, philosophical, or scientific contexts to describe moments of enlightenment or important clues that guide thinking.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 启示 (qǐ shì lù): revelation record, often used in religious or metaphorical contexts.
  • 启示 (dédào qǐ shì): to receive an insight or inspiration.
  • 启示意义 (qǐ shì yìyì): the significance of the revelation.

Usage Notes

"启示" is more formal and abstract than simply "知道" (to know) or "发现" (to discover). It implies a deeper, often transformative understanding. Avoid confusing it with "启发" (qǐ fā), which focuses more on stimulating thinking rather than revealing a truth.

Summary

Use "启示" when emphasizing a meaningful insight or revelation that changes perspective or understanding, especially in intellectual or spiritual discussions.

Example Sentences

这本书给了我很多启示,让我重新思考人生的意义。

Zhè běn shū gěi le wǒ hěn duō qǐ shì, ràng wǒ chóngxīn sīkǎo rénshēng de

This book gave me a lot of revelations, making me rethink the meaning of

科学家的发现为我们提供了重要的启示。

Kēxuéjiā de fāxiàn wèi wǒmen tígōng le zhòngyào de qǐ shì.

The scientist's discovery provided us with important insights.

梦中出现的符号似乎是一种启示。

Mèng zhōng chūxiàn de fúhào sìhū shì yī zhǒng qǐ shì.

The symbols appearing in the dream seem to be a kind of revelation.