Table of Contents

qǐyòng: 启用 - To Enable, Activate, Put into Use

Quick Summary

Core Meaning

Character Breakdown

Cultural Context and Significance

启用 (qǐyòng) reflects a certain level of formality and procedure common in Chinese business, government, and technology. It's not a word you use casually among friends. In Western culture, we might say “We're rolling out the new system” or “Let's start using the new software.” These phrases are relatively informal. The direct equivalent for 启用, however, is closer to more formal English terms like “to commission,” “to inaugurate,” or “to put into service.” For example, a mayor would “inaugurate” a new bridge, and an IT department would “enable” a new security feature. Using 启用 signals that the action is official, planned, and significant. It implies a shift from a preparatory or inactive state to an operational one. This distinction highlights a preference for clear, formal language in official contexts, marking a moment of transition and importance.

Practical Usage in Modern China

This term is most frequently encountered in formal, written, or technical contexts.

It is highly formal. You would never use it for everyday, personal items. For instance, you would say “I'm using my new pen” (我用我的新笔), not “I'm enabling my new pen” (我启用我的新笔).

Example Sentences

Nuances and Common Mistakes

The most common mistake for learners is confusing 启用 (qǐyòng) with the general word for “use,” 使用 (shǐyòng).

Another point of confusion is with 开始 (kāishǐ), which means “to start.”