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March 24, 2026
开始(開始)kāishǐ(kai1shi3)
开始 (kāi shǐ) means 'to begin' or 'to start' and is commonly used to indicate the initiation of an action or event. It can refer to both physical activities, such as starting a meeting, and abstract concepts, like beginning a new phase in life. It is often used in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.
Strokes12Frequency#135DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of starting anew is significant, especially during festivals like Chinese New Year when people embrace fresh beginnings. The phrase '一切从头开始' (yīqiè cóng tóu kāishǐ) reflects this cultural emphasis on new beginnings.
Memory Tip
Think of 开 (kāi) as a door opening (to start something) and 始 (shǐ) as the start of a race. Visualize opening a door to a starting line, where you are ready to begin your journey.
Meanings of 开始
kāishǐ(kai1shi3)
1to begin
2beginning
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About 开始
开始Simplified
開始Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#135Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 开始
Podcast: 开始
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AI Study Notes for 开始
Quick Contrast
开始 (kāishǐ) vs 进行 (jìnxíng) — use 开始 when emphasizing the initiation of an action, while 进行 focuses on the process of ongoing action.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 开始 with 结束 (jié shù), which means 'to end.' It is used in both formal and informal settings, so be mindful of the context. Avoid using it in a negative sense, as it is inherently positive.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 开始 connects with other basic action verbs like 学习 (xué xí, to study) and 工作 (gōng zuò, to work), which are also about initiating actions. Focus on using it in sentences and practice with time expressions to indicate when something starts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 开始 with 进行 (jìnxíng), which means 'to proceed.' An example mistake is saying '我们进行这个项目' (Wǒmen jìnxíng zhège xiàngmù) instead of '我们开始这个项目' (Wǒmen kāi shǐ zhège xiàngmù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 开始
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开始 (kāi shǐ) means 'to begin' or 'to start' and is commonly used to indicate the initiation of an action or event. It can refer to both physical activities, such as starting a meeting, and abstract concepts, like beginning a new phase in life. It is often used in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.
When to use 开始
Common mistakes include confusing 开始 with 结束 (jié shù), which means 'to end.' It is used in both formal and informal settings, so be mindful of the context. Avoid using it in a negative sense, as it is inherently positive.
开始 or something close to it
开始 (kāishǐ) vs 进行 (jìnxíng) — use 开始 when emphasizing the initiation of an action, while 进行 focuses on the process of ongoing action.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 开始 with 进行 (jìnxíng), which means 'to proceed.' An example mistake is saying '我们进行这个项目' (Wǒmen jìnxíng zhège xiàngmù) instead of '我们开始这个项目' (Wǒmen kāi shǐ zhège xiàngmù).
Write 开始
开
始
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Grammar Patterns of 开始
开始 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
