Chinese · Common Verbs
开始
kāishǐ
To begin
Beginnerverb
Definition
To start doing something.
Example
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.