初
chu
chu is a Chinese word meaning the beginning or early stage.
The character 初 is used to denote the beginning, initial stage or early part of a period or process.
How does it change in a sentence?
When combined with a time noun like 月 (month), it indicates the early part of that period. For example, combining it with 月 (month) creates 月初, meaning the beginning of the month and combining it with 年 (year) creates 年初, meaning the beginning of the year. A common two-character compound using this word is 初步, which means preliminary or initial stage.
How do you pronounce it?
chu
Did you know?
- The character 初 is an ideogram combining the symbols for 'clothes' and 'knife', reflecting the idea that a beginning starts with the first cut of fabric.
- In the traditional lunar calendar, the first fifteen days of the month are numbered using 初 before the date, such as 初一 for the first day.
- The specific term 初恋, meaning 'first love', is a heavy romantic trope that carries much more nostalgic weight in Chinese music and literature than the English equivalent.
Examples in context
- 这是我的初衷。Zhè shì wǒ de chūzhōng.This was my original intention.
- 他还是个初学者。Tā háishì gè chūxuézhě.He is still a beginner.
- 现在是初夏。Xiànzài shì chūxià.It is early summer now.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang and Jiayi are discussing their language learning progress.
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，你的法语学得怎么样？Jiāyí, nǐ de Fǎyǔ xué de zěnmeyàng?Jiayi, how is your French learning going?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我还在初学阶段，很难。Wǒ hái zài chū xué jiēduàn, hěn nán.I am still in the beginning stage, it's very hard.
- 志强 Zhiqiang别担心，慢慢来就好。Bié dānxīn, mànmàn lái jiù hǎo.Don't worry, just take your time.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢你，志强。Xièxiè nǐ, Zhìqiáng.Thank you, Zhiqiang.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 初, CC BY-SA 4.0.
