Keywords: qichu, 起初, in the beginning Chinese, at first in Chinese, originally in Chinese, Chinese adverb for time, Chinese narrative structure, 当初 vs 起初, 开始 vs 起初
Summary: Learn how to use “起初” (qǐchū), a fundamental Chinese adverb meaning “in the beginning” or “at first.” This page breaks down how “起初” is used to set up a story or contrast an initial situation with a later outcome. Perfect for beginners, this guide provides character analysis, cultural context, 10 practical example sentences, and clears up common confusion with similar words like “开始” (kāishǐ) and “当初” (dāngchū).
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): qǐ chū
Part of Speech: Adverb / Time Noun
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: In the beginning; at first; originally.
In a Nutshell: “起初” (qǐchū) is a time word that points to the very beginning of a situation or period. It's most often used to set up a contrast. Think of it as the Chinese equivalent of saying, “Initially, things were like this…” which almost always implies a follow-up sentence starting with “…but then things changed.” It's a cornerstone of storytelling in Chinese.
Character Breakdown
起 (qǐ): This character means “to rise,” “to get up,” or “to start.” It's composed of 走 (zǒu - to walk) and 己 (jǐ - self). You can imagine it as “getting oneself up and walking” to begin something.
初 (chū): This character means “beginning” or “first.” It's a combination of 衣 (yī - clothes) and 刀 (dāo - knife). The pictograph represents making the first cut with a knife when tailoring a new garment.
Combined Meaning: The combination of “to start” (起) and “first/beginning” (初) creates a very clear and emphatic meaning: at the very start or in the very beginning.
Cultural Context and Significance
The Narrative Foundation: While not a deep philosophical term, “起初” is culturally significant for its role in narrative and communication. It's one of the most common ways to frame a story, whether it's a major historical event or a simple personal anecdote. The structure “起初…，后来…” (qǐchū…, hòulái…; “At first…, later on…”) is a fundamental rhythm in Chinese storytelling.
Contrast with “Initially”: In English, we use “initially” or “at first” in a similar way. However, in Chinese, using “起初” creates a stronger expectation of a coming contrast. When a listener hears “起初”, their brain is already primed for the “but then…” part of the story. It highlights the Chinese cultural appreciation for context and the evolution of events over time. It shows that the initial state is rarely the final state, a pragmatic worldview reflected in the language.
Practical Usage in Modern China
“起初” is a versatile word used in both formal writing and everyday conversation. It's considered neutral and is appropriate in almost any situation where you need to describe an initial state.
In Conversation: You'll hear it constantly when people are explaining a change of plans, telling a story about how they met someone, or describing their initial impression of a food, place, or person. “起初我觉得…” (“At first, I thought…”) is a very common sentence starter.
In Writing: In essays, reports, or articles, “起初” serves as a formal and clear way to introduce the initial phase of a project, plan, or historical period before detailing subsequent developments.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
起初我不喜欢他，后来发现他是个很好的人。
Pinyin: Qǐchū wǒ bù xǐhuān tā, hòulái fāxiàn tā shì ge hěn hǎo de rén.
English: At first, I didn't like him, but later I discovered he's a very good person.
Analysis: A classic example of “起初” setting up a contrast with “后来” (hòulái). This structure is extremely common for showing a change in opinion.
English: At first, not many people knew about this restaurant, but now there's a long line every day.
Analysis: Shows the evolution of a business's popularity.
Example 8:
我起初没听懂老师的意思，后来同学给我解释了一下。
Pinyin: Wǒ qǐchū méi tīngdǒng lǎoshī de yìsi, hòulái tóngxué gěi wǒ jiěshì le yíxià.
English: I didn't understand what the teacher meant at first, but later a classmate explained it to me.
Analysis: Describes an initial state of confusion followed by clarification.
Example 9:
起初我以为钱包丢了，急死我了，原来在我的背包里。
Pinyin: Qǐchū wǒ yǐwéi qiánbāo diū le, jísǐ wǒ le, yuánlái zài wǒ de bēibāo lǐ.
English: At first I thought I lost my wallet, which made me panic, but it turned out to be in my backpack.
Analysis: This shows a contrast between an initial (mistaken) belief and the final realization. Note the use of “原来” (yuánlái) for the moment of discovery.
English: The two of them were pen pals at first, and only finally met after several years.
Analysis: Used to describe the beginning of a relationship that evolves over time.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
“起初” (qǐchū) vs. “开始” (kāishǐ): This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
`开始 (kāishǐ)` is mainly a verb meaning “to start” or a noun meaning “the start/beginning”. It refers to the action of starting.
`起初 (qǐchū)` is an adverb of time meaning “at first” or “initially”. It refers to the time period at the beginning.
Correct: 电影 开始 了。(Diànyǐng kāishǐ le.) - The movie has started. (Verb)
Incorrect: 电影 起初 了。
Correct:起初 我不想看这部电影。( Qǐchū wǒ bù xiǎng kàn zhè bù diànyǐng.) - At first, I didn't want to watch this movie. (Adverb)
Incorrect:开始 我不想看这部电影。 (While sometimes heard colloquially, it's grammatically less precise than `起初`).
“起初” (qǐchū) vs. “当初” (dāngchū): These are very similar, but with a subtle difference in feeling.
`起初` is a neutral time marker. It simply means “at the start.”
`当初 (dāngchū)` also means “at the beginning” or “at that time,” but it often carries a sense of nostalgia, hindsight, or even regret. It more strongly connects the past to the present moment of speaking.
Neutral:起初 我们住在一个小公寓。( Qǐchū wǒmen zhù zài yí ge xiǎo gōngyù.) - “At first, we lived in a small apartment.” (A simple statement of fact).
Nostalgic/Regretful:当初 要是买了那套房子就好了。( Dāngchū yàoshi mǎi le nà tào fángzi jiù hǎo le.) - “If only we had bought that house back then.” (Here, `起初` would sound less natural).
Related Terms and Concepts
后来 (hòulái) - “Afterwards,” “later on.” The most common narrative partner and antonym to `起初`.
开始 (kāishǐ) - “To start” (verb) or “the beginning” (noun). Refers to the point of commencement, not the initial period.
当初 (dāngchū) - A close synonym meaning “in the beginning” or “back then,” but often with added emotion like nostalgia or regret.
原来 (yuánlái) - “Originally,” but more often used to mean “as it turns out,” expressing a realization or discovery.
首先 (shǒuxiān) - “First of all,” “in the first place.” Used for listing reasons or steps in a process, not for telling a story over time.
最后 (zuìhòu) - “Finally,” “in the end,” “lastly.” Often used to conclude a list that started with `首先` or a narrative that began with `起初`.
一开头 (yī kāitóu) - A more colloquial way to say “at the very beginning,” often interchangeable with `起初`.