Meaning and Usage
The verb 出发 (chūfā) means "to set off" or "to depart," commonly used when starting a journey or trip. It often refers to leaving a place to go somewhere else, such as a train leaving a station or people beginning travel.
Common Contexts
出发 is frequently used with specific times and places, e.g., 出发时间 (departure time), 出发地点 (departure place). It is a neutral term suitable for formal and informal contexts.
Collocations and Patterns
- 出发时间: departure time, used to specify when someone or something leaves.
- 从...出发: to set off from a certain place, indicating the starting point.
- 准时出发: to set off on time, emphasizing punctuality.
Usage Notes
When using 出发, the focus is on the start of movement. It differs from 离开 (to leave) which can be more general and not necessarily about travel. 出发 implies a planned or scheduled departure.
Avoid confusing 出发 with 到达 (to arrive); 出发 is about leaving, 到达 is about arriving.