'Shēng qí' literally means 'to raise the flag' — 升 (shēng) means 'to lift, raise, or ascend', and 旗 (qí) means 'flag'. Together, the term specifically refers to the formal, ceremonial act of raising the national flag, especially in official, educational, or patriotic settings. It is deeply associated with national identity and collective respect.

This verb is most commonly used in contexts such as school morning assemblies, National Day celebrations, military ceremonies, or international events like the Olympics when China’s flag is hoisted. While it can technically describe raising any flag, in everyday usage it almost always implies the national flag of the People’s Republic of China. The action is typically performed slowly, deliberately, and accompanied by the national anthem.