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March 24, 2026
起初qǐchū(qi3chu1)
起初 (qǐchū) refers to the beginning or the initial stage of something. It is commonly used to describe how things were at the start before they changed, often indicating a contrast with later developments or outcomes.
Strokes17Frequency#6649DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of beginnings is often linked to philosophical ideas about change and growth. '起初' can reflect the traditional Chinese value of understanding one's roots before discussing progress.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rocket launch, where the '起' (qǐ) represents the ignition and lift-off, and '初' (chū) symbolizes the initial moment of departure. Think of '起初' as the moment the countdown reaches zero and everything starts—it's the beginning of a journey.
Meanings of 起初
qǐchū(qi3chu1)
1originally
2at first
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 起初
起初Simplified
17Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#6649Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 起初
Podcast: 起初
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AI Study Notes for 起初
Quick Contrast
初 (chū) — use 起初 when emphasizing the initial stage in a narrative context, while 初 is more general and can refer simply to 'the first' without the narrative implication.
Usage Notes
This term is typically used in both formal and informal contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with '最初' (zuìchū), which also means 'initial' but can imply 'first' in a sequence rather than a starting point. Remember to use the correct tones, as '起' (qǐ) and '初' (chū) are both third tones.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, '起初' helps students connect with more complex narratives, particularly in literature and discussions about change over time. Focus on using it in contrast with later events to enhance storytelling.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '起初' with '起先' (qǐxiān), which has a similar meaning but might be too informal for certain contexts. For example, saying '起先我认为...' (I initially thought...) would be less appropriate than '起初我认为...'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 起初
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起初 (qǐchū) refers to the beginning or the initial stage of something. It is commonly used to describe how things were at the start before they changed, often indicating a contrast with later developments or outcomes.
When to use 起初
This term is typically used in both formal and informal contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with '最初' (zuìchū), which also means 'initial' but can imply 'first' in a sequence rather than a starting point. Remember to use the correct tones, as '起' (qǐ) and '初' (chū) are both third tones.
起初 or something close to it
初 (chū) — use 起初 when emphasizing the initial stage in a narrative context, while 初 is more general and can refer simply to 'the first' without the narrative implication.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '起初' with '起先' (qǐxiān), which has a similar meaning but might be too informal for certain contexts. For example, saying '起先我认为...' (I initially thought...) would be less appropriate than '起初我认为...'.
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起
初
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Grammar Patterns of 起初
起初 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 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.
