开始 (kāishǐ)
verb · Beginner · Common Verbs
Meaning
English: To begin
To start doing something.
Examples
🗣 电影八点开始。
💬 The movie starts at eight.
Etymology
The word ‘开始’ (kāishǐ) is derived from the combination of ‘开’ (kāi), meaning ‘to open’, and ‘始’ (shǐ), meaning ‘to begin’. Historically, it has been used in different contexts to signify the initiation of an action or event.
How & Where It’s Used
‘开始’ is commonly used in both spoken and written Mandarin, and it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It is widely understood across various Chinese-speaking regions.
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Tags: verb