Decoded Slug: 起初 (qǐchū) - At first, originally
Mandarin Grammar Point
起初 (qǐchū) - At first, originally
起初 (qǐchū) - At first, originally
Short explanation:
This phrase is used to refer to the beginning of a situation or a period of time.
Formation:
起初 + sentence
Examples:
起初，他对学习中文没有兴趣，但现在他很喜欢。
Qǐchū, tā duì xuéxí Zhōngwén méiyǒu xìngqù, dàn xiànzài tā hěn xǐhuān.
At first, he was not interested in learning Chinese, but now he likes it very much.
起初，我们认为这个项目会很容易，但实际上它非常复杂。
Qǐchū, wǒmen rènwéi zhège xiàngmù huì hěn róngyì, dàn shíjì shàng tā fēicháng fùzá.
At first, we thought this project would be easy, but it actually turned out to be extremely complex.
起初，我对这家公司的工作环境有所怀疑，但我现在很适应。
Qǐchū, wǒ duì zhè jiā gōngsī de gōngzuò huánjìng yǒusuǒ huáiyí, dàn wǒ xiànzài hěn shìyìng.
Originally, I had reservations about the work environment of this company, but I am quite comfortable with it now.
起初，他们反对这个提案，但经过讨论，他们改变了立场。
Qǐchū, tāmen fǎnduì zhège tí'àn, dàn jīngguò tǎolùn, tāmen gǎibiànle lìchǎng.
At first, they were opposed to the proposal, but after discussions, they changed their stand.
Long explanation:
起初 (qǐchū) is a Mandarin Chinese adverb of time which is used to indicate the very beginning of a situation, an event, or a timeframe. It is equivalent to the English phrases 'at first' or 'originally'. This phrase is used in contexts where there is a change or shift from the original state as the situation evolves.
