开始 — meaning in English: Start

kāishǐ · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for beginning

梁

liáng

旅游

lǚyóu

开始

kāishǐ

下降

xiàjiàng

毯子

tǎnzi

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 开始 when initiating conversations, activities, or projects. For example, in a business meeting, one might say, '我们可以开始讨论这个项目,' meaning 'We can start discussing this project.' It is also frequently used in everyday situations, such as when a teacher tells students to 开始 their exams.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 开始 is 启动 (qǐdòng), which means 'to initiate,' but 开始 is more commonly used in everyday language. While 启动 can be more technical or formal, 开始 is versatile for both casual and formal contexts, making it the go-to choice for starting conversations or activities.

Culture

The word 开始 has its roots in classical Chinese, where '开' means 'to open' and '始' means 'to begin.' This reflects the cultural importance of beginnings in Chinese philosophy, where a proper start is often seen as critical to the success of any endeavor. Interestingly, the phrase is often associated with new beginnings, such as the start of a new year or the start of a journey.

FAQ

Q.How do I use 开始 in a sentence?

You can use 开始 in various contexts, such as '我们开始上课了' (Wǒmen kāishǐ shàngkè le) which means 'We have started the class.' It's a straightforward term that can fit into casual or formal sentences.

Q.Is 开始 used in any idiomatic expressions?

Yes, 开始 appears in expressions like '开始新生活' (kāishǐ xīn shēnghuó), meaning 'to start a new life.' This reflects its broader cultural significance in defining transitions and new phases in life.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 开始?

One common mistake is using 开始 in contexts where a more specific term like 启动 would apply, especially in technical discussions. However, for general use, 开始 is widely accepted and understood.

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