verb / noun HSK 5
to begin · to start · beginning · initial
Meaning
始 is a formal/literary character meaning 'to begin' or 'beginning'. It appears frequently in written Chinese and formal expressions but is rarely used alone in everyday speech. Instead, it commonly appears in compound words and set phrases.
Usage
While 始 can theoretically be used alone as a verb, native speakers almost always use it in compounds like 开始 (kāishǐ, 'to begin') or 始终 (shǐzhōng, 'from beginning to end'). It appears in formal writing, idioms, and literary contexts. In casual conversation, prefer 开始.
Examples
- 01这个传统始于明朝。.This tradition originated in the Ming Dynasty.
- 02他始终坚持自己的原则。.He has consistently adhered to his principles throughout.
Common collocations
- 始终throughout, from start to finish
- 原始primitive, original
- 创始人founder
- 始于to originate from, to start from
Antonyms
Origin
The character 始 is composed of 女 (woman) and 台. Ancient forms suggest the original meaning related to birth or origin, from which the meaning 'beginning' naturally derived.