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March 24, 2026
早期()zǎoqī(zao3qi1)
早期 refers to the early period or stage of a process or development. It is commonly used in contexts such as history, research, and project management to discuss initial phases where foundational elements are established.
Frequency#6707DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 早期 can be tied to traditional Chinese philosophies like 'the early bird catches the worm,' which emphasizes the importance of starting early for success.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sunrise (早, zao3) marking the beginning of a new day (期, qi1). Just as dawn represents the early stage of the day, 早期 signifies the initial phase of any process.
Meanings of 早期
zǎoqī(zao3qi1)
1early period
2early phase
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About 早期
早期Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 早期
Podcast: 早期
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AI Study Notes for 早期
Quick Contrast
早期 (early stage) vs 初期 (initial stage) — use 早期 when emphasizing the very beginning of a development, while 初期 may imply a slightly later phase.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a sunrise (早, zao3) marking the beginning of a new day (期, qi1). Just as dawn represents the early stage of the day, 早期 signifies the initial phase of any process.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 早期 with 早上 (morning), which refers specifically to the time of day. 早期 is more formal and often appears in academic or professional contexts, such as '早期研究' (early research).
HSK Study Tips
While 早期 is not part of HSK vocabulary, it connects with other HSK words related to time and phases, such as 早 (early) and 期 (period). Focus on using it in context with related terms to strengthen understanding.
Cultural Note
The concept of 早期 can be tied to traditional Chinese philosophies like 'the early bird catches the worm,' which emphasizes the importance of starting early for success.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 早期 with 早上, mistakenly using it to refer to times of day. For example, saying '我们在早期见面' (We meet in the early morning) is incorrect; use '早上' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 早期
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Cultural Notes for 早期
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 早期 can be tied to traditional Chinese philosophies like 'the early bird catches the worm,' which emphasizes the importance of starting early for success.
Frequently Asked Questions about 早期
Yes, you can use 早期 to describe the early stages of personal growth, like '我在早期的学习阶段' (I am in the early stage of my learning).
Not typically; it's more common in formal discussions or written contexts, such as reports or analyses.
Remember that 早期 refers to a phase or period, while 早上 specifically means 'morning'.
