Meaning
起初 is a time expression meaning 'at first' or 'in the beginning.' It refers to the early stage of a situation, often implying that conditions changed later. The word combines 起 (to rise, to start) and 初 (beginning, first), creating a meaning of 'the rising point' or 'the initial stage.'
Usage
起初 is commonly used in written and spoken Chinese to introduce the initial state of affairs before a change occurred. It often appears with 后来 (hòulái, 'later') or other time markers to create a contrast between past and present conditions. This word is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts and frequently appears at the beginning of sentences.
Examples
- 01起初我不太喜欢这个城市，但是住了一年以后就爱上了。, .At first I didn't really like this city, but after living here for a year I fell in love with it.
- 02起初他们以为这个项目很简单，后来才发现困难重重。, .Initially they thought this project was simple, but later discovered it was full of difficulties.
Characters
Common collocations
- 起初以为at first thought that...
- 起初的时候in the beginning, when it first started
- 起初并不at first did not...
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 起 (rising/beginning) and 初 (first/initial) naturally creates the meaning of 'at the very start' or 'in the beginning stage.'