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A1 verb #200 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

开始

kāishǐ Top 200

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At the A1 level, '开始' (kāishǐ) is a vital building block for your basic Chinese. It is primarily used as a simple verb to mean 'to start' or 'to begin.' You will use it to talk about your daily routine, such as when you start work or when a class begins. The structure is very simple: [Subject] + [Time] + 开始. For example, '我们八点开始' (We start at eight). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar; just focus on using it to initiate actions. It is also common to see it on buttons in apps or hear it from a teacher saying '开始吧' (Let's start). Learning this word early allows you to describe the sequence of your day and participate in basic classroom activities. It is often one of the first 100 words a student learns because of its high utility in everyday life.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '开始' in more varied sentence structures, particularly with the '从...开始' (starting from...) pattern. This allows you to set time boundaries, such as '从明天开始，我要运动' (Starting from tomorrow, I will exercise). You also start to recognize '开始' as a noun, as in '这是一个好的开始' (This is a good start). At this level, you should be careful with the placement of '了' (le). You'll learn that '开始...了' indicates that an action has already kicked off. You might also start comparing '开始' with other words like '出发' (to set out) to ensure you are using the right kind of 'start' for travel versus general actions. Your ability to use '开始' to link different parts of a story or schedule becomes more refined at this stage.

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At the B1 level, you move beyond simple daily actions and use '开始' to describe life transitions and more abstract processes. You might say '我开始对中国文化感兴趣' (I started becoming interested in Chinese culture). Here, '开始' is followed by a complex verb phrase. You also learn to use it in the '开始的时候' (at the beginning) structure to provide background information in a narrative. You'll become more aware of the difference between '开始' and '起来' (qǐlái) as a resultative complement. For instance, you'll understand why '笑起来' (start laughing) sounds more natural in a story than '开始笑.' Your usage becomes more idiomatic, and you can handle '开始' in both spoken and written contexts with greater confidence, including formal announcements and business settings.

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At the B2 level, '开始' is used in more sophisticated contexts, such as describing the initiation of social movements, economic trends, or historical periods. You will encounter it in news reports and academic texts. You'll also learn more formal synonyms like '开启' (kāiqǐ) or '着手' (zhuóshǒu) and know exactly when to substitute them for '开始' to achieve a more professional tone. For example, '开启了一个新时代' (opened a new era) sounds much more impactful than just using '开始.' You will also be able to handle '开始' in complex sentences involving multiple clauses, such as '既然已经开始了，我们就不能放弃' (Since we have already started, we cannot give up). Your understanding of the word's role as a 'point' verb (non-durative) is now solid, and you avoid common errors involving time duration.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the nuances of '开始.' You can use it in literary analysis to discuss the 'beginning' of a plot or the 'inception' of an idea. You are comfortable with idiomatic expressions and proverbs that involve the concept of starting, such as '万事开头难' (Everything is hard at the beginning). You can distinguish between '开始' and highly specific terms like '肇始' (zhàoshǐ) or '发端' (fāduān) in academic writing. Your use of '开始' in speech is perfectly natural, including its use as a filler or a way to pivot topics. You can also discuss the philosophical implications of 'the beginning' in a debate or a high-level discussion. At this stage, '开始' is not just a word but a versatile tool for precise expression in any register.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of '开始' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You can use it with absolute precision in the most formal legal, medical, or academic documents. You understand the historical evolution of the characters '开' and '始' and how their meanings have shifted over millennia. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it to create specific rhythms or to evoke particular emotions. You are also aware of regional variations in how '开始' might be used or replaced by local dialects. Whether you are drafting a policy document or writing a poem, you know exactly how to use '开始'—or when to omit it for a more concise and powerful effect. It has become a seamless part of your linguistic repertoire, used with effortless accuracy and nuance.

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开始 (kāishǐ) is the standard Chinese word for 'to start' or 'to begin,' used in both formal and informal contexts.
It can function as a verb (to start an action) or a noun (the beginning of something).
Commonly used in the '从...开始' (starting from...) pattern to set a specific starting point in time or space.
Unlike English, it cannot be used directly with a duration; it only marks the point of inception.

The Chinese word 开始 (kāishǐ) is one of the most fundamental verbs in the Mandarin language, serving as the primary way to express the concept of beginning or starting an action, a process, or a period of time. At its core, it is composed of two characters: 开 (kāi), which means to open, and 始 (shǐ), which means beginning or start. Together, they literally translate to 'opening the beginning,' a poetic yet practical way to describe the initiation of anything. In daily life, you will hear this word in almost every context imaginable, from a teacher starting a lesson to a friend suggesting it is time to eat. It is versatile because it functions both as a verb ('to start') and as a noun ('the beginning').

As a Verb: When used as a verb, 开始 usually precedes another verb or a noun phrase. For example, '开始工作' (start working) or '开始比赛' (start the match). It indicates the point in time where an activity transitions from non-existence to existence. Unlike some other Chinese verbs that require specific particles to indicate change, 开始 is often followed by '了' (le) to emphasize that the start has already occurred.
As a Noun: As a noun, it refers to the initial stage of something. You might hear the common proverb '良好的开端是成功的一半' (A good start is half the success), where 开始 or its synonym '开端' represents the concept of the 'beginning' itself. In casual conversation, people might say '这是一个新的开始' (This is a new beginning) to mark a significant life change.

我们现在开始上课吧。(Wǒmen xiànzài kāishǐ shàngkè ba.)
— Let's start the class now.

Understanding the scope of 开始 requires looking at its frequency. It is a high-frequency word because it covers both formal and informal registers. In a business meeting, a manager might say '会议开始' (The meeting begins). In a kitchen, a mother might tell her child '开始吃饭' (Start eating). It is the default word for 'start' unless you are specifically talking about starting a machine (where you might use '启动') or starting a journey (where you might use '出发').

电影什么时候开始？(Diànyǐng shénme shíhou kāishǐ?)
— When does the movie start?

Temporal Usage: You can use 开始 to mark the inception of a habit. '我从去年开始学中文' (I started learning Chinese since last year). Here, it acts as a temporal anchor, defining the point in the past when an ongoing action was initiated. This is a crucial structure for A1 and A2 learners to master.

In summary, 开始 is the gateway to describing actions in time. Whether you are discussing your daily routine, your career path, or simply the start of a television show, this word provides the necessary linguistic framework to express the 'when' and 'how' of initiation. It is simple enough for beginners to use immediately, yet deep enough to appear in complex literary works and formal speeches.

Using 开始 (kāishǐ) correctly involves understanding its syntactic flexibility. In English, we often say 'I start to eat' or 'The game starts.' Chinese follows a similar logic but with some specific grammatical patterns that learners should be aware of. The most common structure is Subject + (Time) + 开始 + Verb/Noun. This structure is straightforward and covers about 80% of daily usage.

他开始写作业了。(Tā kāishǐ xiě zuòyè le.)
— He has started doing his homework.

One of the key things to notice in the example above is the use of '了' (le). When 开始 is used to describe an action that has just begun or a change in state, '了' is frequently added at the end of the sentence to indicate that the 'starting' has successfully occurred. However, if you are talking about a general schedule, '了' is usually omitted.

Structure 1: Starting an Action: Subject + 开始 + [Action]. Example: '我们开始吧' (Let's start). This is the simplest form and is used for immediate commands or suggestions.
Structure 2: Starting from a Point in Time: 从 + [Time/Event] + 开始. Example: '从明天开始' (Starting from tomorrow). This is used to set a future or past boundary for an activity.

Another advanced usage is when 开始 acts as a noun within a larger phrase. For instance, '在开始的时候' (At the beginning). This is often used in storytelling or when describing the sequence of events in a project. It helps set the stage before moving into the 'middle' (中间) and 'end' (结束) of the narrative.

从现在开始，我们要努力学习。(Cóng xiànzài kāishǐ, wǒmen yào nǔlì xuéxí.)
— From now on, we must study hard.

Finally, consider the placement of 开始 in questions. To ask when something starts, you place '什么时候' (when) before 开始. For example, '会议什么时候开始？' (When does the meeting start?). This follows the standard Chinese word order where the time element precedes the verb. By mastering these few structures, you can effectively communicate the initiation of almost any event in Mandarin.

In the real world, 开始 (kāishǐ) is ubiquitous. You don't just find it in textbooks; you hear it echoing through subway stations, office hallways, and bustling markets. Its presence is a signal—a marker that the status quo is changing and an action is being initiated. Understanding where you will encounter it helps in developing natural listening skills.

In the Classroom: Teachers in China almost always use 开始 to command attention. '现在开始听力练习' (Now begin the listening exercise). It serves as a clear boundary between 'prep time' and 'active time.' If you are a student in China, this word will be the soundtrack to your morning.
In Professional Settings: During business presentations, you will hear '我们开始今天的报告' (Let's begin today's report). It is used to pivot from small talk to the formal agenda. In project management, '项目开始阶段' (the project initiation phase) is a standard term used in emails and planning documents.

比赛正式开始！(Bǐsài zhèngshì kāishǐ!)
— The competition has officially begun!

You will also hear 开始 in public announcements. At a cinema, before the lights dim, a voice might announce that the movie is about to start. At a train station, an announcement might state when ticket sales 开始. It is the language of logistics and schedules. In these contexts, it is often paired with '正式' (zhèngshì - officially) to add a layer of formality and importance.

In digital spaces, like apps and websites, you'll see 开始 on buttons. A 'Start' button on a video game or a 'Get Started' button on a registration page will almost always be translated as 开始. This makes it one of the first words you should learn if you plan to navigate the Chinese internet or use Chinese software.

从头开始。(Cóngtóu kāishǐ.)
— To start from the very beginning (from the head).

Socially, friends use it to coordinate. '我们什么时候开始走？' (When do we start leaving/going?). It is less formal than '出发' (depart) and fits perfectly into the flow of casual planning. Whether you are in a high-stakes negotiation or just hanging out with friends, 开始 is the essential verbal spark that sets things in motion.

While 开始 (kāishǐ) seems simple, English speakers often trip over its specific grammatical constraints. One of the most frequent errors involves the concept of duration. In English, we can say 'I started studying for three hours,' which is ambiguous—did you start a three-hour session, or have you been studying for three hours? In Chinese, 开始 is a 'point' verb, not a 'duration' verb.

The Duration Error: Mistake: '我开始学习了两个小时' (Wǒ kāishǐ xuéxí le liǎng gè xiǎoshí). This sounds like you 'started for two hours,' which makes no sense. Correct: '我两个小时以前开始学习' (I started studying two hours ago) or '我学习了两个小时' (I studied for two hours).
Confusing with '出发' (Chūfā): Mistake: Using 开始 for leaving on a trip. While you are 'starting' a journey, Chinese uses '出发' (to set out). Saying '我们开始去上海' sounds like you are initiating the act of going, but '我们出发去上海' is the natural way to say 'We are setting off for Shanghai.'

❌ 我开始了我的工作三个月。
✅ 我这份工作开始三个月了。
— Correcting the 'duration of a state' error.

Another subtle mistake is using 开始 when '起来' (qǐlái) would be more idiomatic. '起来' is a directional complement that indicates an action has started and is continuing. For example, '笑起来' (start laughing) is often more natural than '开始笑.' 开始 is more formal and deliberate, while '起来' is more spontaneous.

The 'Machine' Mistake: When starting a car or a computer, '开始' is rarely used. Instead, use '开' (kāi - to open/turn on) or '启动' (qǐdòng - to boot/start up). Saying '开始电脑' sounds like you are beginning a relationship with the computer rather than turning it on.

Lastly, avoid overusing '了' (le). While '开始工作了' is correct to say 'started working,' you don't need '了' if you are stating a fact about a schedule, like '电影八点开始' (The movie starts at 8). Adding '了' there would imply the movie has *already* started, which might confuse your listener if it's currently only 7:30!

To truly master Chinese, you must know when to use 开始 (kāishǐ) and when to reach for a more specific synonym. While 开始 is the 'all-purpose' start, other words carry different nuances of formality, physical action, or technicality.

开始 (kāishǐ) vs. 启动 (qǐdòng): 开始 is for actions and events. 启动 is specifically for machinery, software, or large-scale projects. You '开始' a meeting, but you '启动' a rocket or a computer program.
开始 (kāishǐ) vs. 出发 (chūfā): 出发 means to set out or depart. Use this for journeys. If you say '我们开始吧' at the door, it means 'Let's start [the act of leaving],' but '我们出发吧' means 'Let's hit the road.'
开始 (kāishǐ) vs. 开端 (kāiduān): 开端 is a formal noun meaning 'beginning' or 'inception.' It is rarely used as a verb. You would use it in a history book: '这是工业革命的开端' (This was the start of the Industrial Revolution).

着手 (zhuóshǒu) — To set about; to put one's hand to.
Example: '我们要着手解决这个问题' (We need to set about solving this problem). This is more formal and implies taking action.

In literary contexts, you might encounter 肇始 (zhàoshǐ), an extremely formal way to say 'originate.' It’s important to recognize these variations so you don't sound like a textbook in a coffee shop, or like a child in a boardroom. For 95% of situations, 开始 is your safest and most natural bet.

Summary Comparison

开始: General start (verb/noun).
开启: To open up/initiate (formal, e.g., '开启新篇章' - open a new chapter).
开办: To set up/start (a school, a factory).
创始: To found/originate (a company or movement).

By diversifying your vocabulary with these alternatives, you can express the nuance of 'starting' with much greater precision. However, always remember that 开始 is the foundation upon which all these other specific terms are built.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The character '始' contains the 'woman' radical (女) because ancient Chinese philosophy often associated the 'beginning' of things with birth and motherhood.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kɑːɪ ʃiː/

US /kaɪ ʃi/

In Mandarin, stress is usually balanced, but the 3rd tone on 'shǐ' often feels more emphasized due to its pitch change.

Reimt sich auf

kāi: 拍 (pāi), 摘 (zhāi), 乖 (guāi) shǐ: 纸 (zhǐ), 指 (zhǐ), 紫 (zǐ), 史 (shǐ), 死 (sǐ), 此 (cǐ), 已 (yǐ), 里 (lǐ)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'kāi' with a rising tone instead of a flat high tone.
Not dipping low enough on the 3rd tone of 'shǐ'.
Pronouncing 'shǐ' like 'shì' (4th tone), which changes the meaning.
Merging the two syllables into one sound.
Using English 'sh' sound which is slightly different from Chinese 'sh' (retroflex).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

The characters are simple and frequently encountered in early lessons.

Schreiben 2/5

The character '始' has a few more strokes but is still basic.

Sprechen 1/5

Easy to pronounce once the 1st and 3rd tones are mastered.

Hören 1/5

Very distinct sound and high frequency make it easy to recognize.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

开 (open) 我 (I) 你 (you) 做 (do) 时间 (time)

Als Nächstes lernen

结束 (end) 准备 (prepare) 以后 (after) 以前 (before) 已经 (already)

Fortgeschritten

启动 (boot) 开启 (initiate) 着手 (set about) 创始 (found) 开端 (inception)

Wichtige Grammatik

The particle '了' with '开始'

我开始学习了。 (I have started studying.)

Time words placement

我明天开始。 (I start tomorrow. Time comes before the verb.)

The '从...开始' structure

从现在开始。 (Starting from now.)

Using '开始' as a noun

这是一个好开始。 (This is a good start.)

Negative form '没开始'

还没开始。 (Hasn't started yet.)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

我们开始吧。

Let's start.

Simple verb usage with the particle '吧' for suggestion.

电影八点开始。

The movie starts at eight.

Time precedes the verb '开始'.

你什么时候开始工作？

When do you start work?

Question word '什么时候' used with '开始'.

现在开始上课。

Class starts now.

Adverb '现在' (now) modifying the start of the action.

我开始学中文了。

I have started learning Chinese.

The particle '了' indicates the action has begun.

比赛开始了！

The game has started!

Subject + verb + '了' for an immediate event.

请开始说话。

Please start speaking.

Polite request '请' followed by the action.

会议九点开始。

The meeting starts at nine.

Standard subject-time-verb structure.

从明天开始，我不喝咖啡。

Starting from tomorrow, I won't drink coffee.

The '从...开始' pattern for setting a start date.

这是一个新的开始。

This is a new beginning.

Using '开始' as a noun.

他开始喜欢跑步了。

He has started to like running.

Using '开始' with a psychological verb like '喜欢'.

老师还没开始讲课。

The teacher hasn't started the lecture yet.

Negative form '还没...开始'.

我们从第一页开始读。

We start reading from the first page.

Using '从' to indicate a starting point in space/text.

雨开始下大了。

The rain started to get heavy.

Subject + 开始 + Verb + Complement.

我从去年开始住在这里。

I have lived here since last year.

Using '从...开始' to indicate the start of a state.

请问，表演几点开始？

Excuse me, what time does the performance start?

Polite inquiry using '几点' for specific time.

在开始的时候，我觉得很难。

At the beginning, I felt it was very difficult.

Using '在...的时候' to create a temporal clause.

他一回家就开始做饭。

As soon as he gets home, he starts cooking.

The '一...就...' pattern combined with '开始'.

由于天气原因，比赛推迟开始。

Due to weather reasons, the start of the match is delayed.

Formal usage of '开始' in a cause-effect sentence.

我们必须开始考虑未来了。

We must start considering the future.

Using '开始' with abstract verbs like '考虑'.

这个计划从下个月正式开始。

This plan officially starts from next month.

Adding '正式' (officially) for professional context.

她开始意识到自己的错误。

She began to realize her mistake.

Using '开始' to describe a cognitive process.

从头开始并不是一件坏事。

Starting from scratch is not necessarily a bad thing.

The idiom '从头开始' (start from the head/scratch).

音乐一响，大家就开始跳舞。

As soon as the music played, everyone started dancing.

Describing a simultaneous or immediate reaction.

这项政策的实施标志着改革的开始。

The implementation of this policy marks the beginning of reform.

Formal noun usage in a complex sentence.

我们应该从基础开始抓起。

We should start by focusing on the basics.

The '从...抓起' structure for emphasizing priorities.

他从那时开始便一蹶不振。

From that moment on, he never recovered.

Combining '从...开始' with literary expressions.

项目已经进入了全面开始的阶段。

The project has entered the stage of full-scale initiation.

Using '开始' as part of a technical noun phrase.

无论结果如何，重要的是你开始了。

Regardless of the result, the important thing is that you started.

Using '无论...如何' to emphasize the act of starting.

随着春天的到来，万物开始复苏。

With the arrival of spring, all things begin to recover.

Literary description of natural processes.

他在演讲开始前显得有些紧张。

He seemed a bit nervous before the start of the speech.

Using '开始前' (before the start) as a time marker.

从法律角度来看，合同从签字之日开始生效。

From a legal perspective, the contract becomes effective from the date of signing.

Formal legal usage for effective dates.

这篇文章的开始部分写得非常引人入胜。

The beginning part of this article is written very compellingly.

Using '开始部分' to refer to a specific section of a text.

一切纷争都开始于那个小小的误会。

All the disputes originated from that tiny misunderstanding.

Using '开始于' (originated at/from) in a formal narrative.

他的人生从那一刻起开始了一个全新的篇章。

From that moment on, his life began a completely new chapter.

Metaphorical usage of '开始' with '篇章' (chapter).

我们不能仅仅满足于开始，更要追求结果。

We cannot merely be satisfied with starting; we must pursue results.

Philosophical contrast between '开始' and '结果'.

在那个动荡的年代，新思想开始萌芽。

In those turbulent times, new ideas began to sprout.

Using '开始' with metaphorical verbs like '萌芽' (sprout).

这项研究的开始可以追溯到上个世纪九十年代。

The beginning of this research can be traced back to the 1990s.

Formal academic structure '可以追溯到'.

他的成功并非偶然，而是从点滴开始积累的。

His success was not accidental but accumulated from small beginnings.

Using '从...开始' to describe a process of accumulation.

当序幕拉开，演出便正式开始了。

When the curtain rises, the performance officially begins.

Describing the formal initiation of a theatrical event.

该学说的肇始虽早，但其系统化研究则开始于近代。

Although the theory originated early, its systematic study began in modern times.

Contrasting '肇始' with '开始' in a high-level academic context.

他敏锐地察觉到，一个伟大的时代正悄然开始。

He keenly perceived that a great era was quietly beginning.

Using '悄然' (quietly/stealthily) to modify '开始'.

无论历史如何变迁，人类对真理的追求从未停止，只会不断开始。

No matter how history changes, humanity's pursuit of truth never stops; it only continually restarts.

Philosophical and rhetorical use of '开始'.

在文学创作中，如何处理故事的开始往往决定了作品的成败。

In literary creation, how one handles the beginning of a story often determines the success or failure of the work.

Discussing '开始' as a structural element in art.

这场危机的开始，暴露了体制中深层次的矛盾。

The beginning of this crisis exposed deep-seated contradictions within the system.

Using '开始' to analyze social or political phenomena.

他试图在混乱中寻找一个新的开始，以重塑自我。

He attempted to find a new beginning amidst the chaos to reshape himself.

Abstract psychological usage.

从最初的设想到最终的实施，每一步都标志着一个新的开始。

From the initial concept to the final implementation, every step marks a new beginning.

Using '开始' to describe iterative progress.

宇宙的开始至今仍是科学界探索的终极奥秘。

The beginning of the universe remains the ultimate mystery explored by the scientific community.

Using '开始' in a cosmological context.

Häufige Kollokationen

正式开始

重新开始

刚刚开始

开始工作

开始学习

开始比赛

从头开始

开始阶段

准备开始

开始生效

Häufige Phrasen

开始吧

— Let's start. Used to suggest initiating an action.

大家都到了，我们开始吧。

从...开始

— Starting from... Used to define a starting point.

从明天开始，我要早起。

刚开始

— Just started. Refers to the very beginning of an event.

我刚开始学开车。

重新开始

— To start over or restart.

如果你失败了，可以重新开始。

开始的时候

— At the beginning. Used as a time clause.

开始的时候，我并不喜欢他。

还没开始

— Hasn't started yet.

电影还没开始，别着急。

什么时候开始

— When does it start?

音乐会什么时候开始？

已经开始

— Already started.

演出已经开始了，快进去。

正式开始

— To officially begin.

典礼于十点正式开始。

开始行动

— To start taking action.

我们必须立刻开始行动。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

开始 vs 出发

Use '出发' for leaving on a trip; use '开始' for starting an activity.

开始 vs 开

Use '开' for opening doors or turning on lights/machines; '开始' is for events.

开始 vs 起来

Use '起来' as a suffix for spontaneous actions (e.g., 笑起来); '开始' is more deliberate.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"万事开头难"

— Everything is difficult at the start. Encourages persistence.

别担心，万事开头难，以后会好的。

Common Proverb

"善始善终"

— To start well and end well. To see something through to the end.

做事情要善始善终，不能半途而废。

Formal/Moral

"慎始敬终"

— To be careful at the beginning and respectful/diligent until the end.

为官者应当慎始敬终。

Literary

"下不为例"

— Not to be taken as a precedent (starting from now, this won't happen again).

这次就算了，下不为例。

Neutral

"开门见山"

— To get straight to the point from the very start.

他说话喜欢开门见山。

Neutral

"新官上任三把火"

— A new official is very strict at the start of their term.

他刚当经理，真是新官上任三把火。

Colloquial

"先发制人"

— To gain the advantage by starting first.

在比赛中，我们要先发制人。

Neutral

"从头开始"

— To start from scratch or from the very beginning.

哪怕失败了，我们也可以从头开始。

Neutral

"旗开得胜"

— To win victory in the first battle; to start with a success.

祝你们旗开得胜，马到成功。

Idiomatic/Greeting

"千里之行，始于足下"

— A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

别犹豫了，千里之行，始于足下。

Literary/Philosophical

Leicht verwechselbar

开始 vs 启动

Both mean 'start'.

启动 is for machines and software; 开始 is for human actions and events.

启动引擎 (Start the engine) vs 开始比赛 (Start the match).

开始 vs 开办

Both involve starting something.

开办 is for setting up institutions or businesses; 开始 is for the act itself.

开办学校 (Start a school) vs 开始上课 (Start the class).

开始 vs 开启

Both mean 'start' or 'open'.

开启 is more formal and often metaphorical (open a new chapter); 开始 is literal and general.

开启未来 (Open the future) vs 开始写信 (Start writing a letter).

开始 vs 创始

Both relate to the beginning.

创始 refers to founding or originating a brand or theory; 开始 is just starting an action.

创始品牌 (Found a brand) vs 开始工作 (Start working).

开始 vs 开头

Both mean 'beginning'.

开头 is a noun referring to the very first part of something (like a book); 开始 can be a verb or noun.

故事的开头 (The start of the story) vs 电影开始了 (The movie started).

Satzmuster

Subject + 开始 + Verb

我开始学习。

Time + 开始

八点开始。

从 + Time + 开始

从明天开始。

Subject + 开始 + Verb + 了

他开始写信了。

在...开始的时候

在电影开始的时候。

还没 + 开始

会议还没开始。

标志着...的开始

这标志着新时代的开始。

开始于 + Time/Event

这起纠纷开始于去年。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

开端 (beginning)

创始人 (founder)

初始 (initial state)

Verben

开启 (to open/initiate)

开办 (to set up)

创始 (to found)

Adjektive

初步 (preliminary)

初始的 (initial)

Verwandt

结束 (end)

过程 (process)

准备 (prepare)

出发 (depart)

启动 (boot/start)

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frequency

Extremely high; ranked within the top 500 most common Chinese words.

Häufige Fehler

我开始学习了三个小时。 → 我三个小时以前开始学习。
You cannot use '开始' with a duration of time. You must state when the starting point was.
我们开始去北京。 → 我们出发去北京。
For starting a journey or departing, '出发' is the correct word, not '开始'.
我开始电脑。 → 我开电脑。 / 我启动电脑。
For turning on or booting a device, use '开' or '启动'. '开始' is for activities.
电影开始在八点。 → 电影八点开始。
In Chinese, the time must come before the verb '开始'.
他开始笑起来。 → 他笑了起来。
While '开始笑' is grammatically okay, '笑了起来' is much more idiomatic for spontaneous actions.

Tipps

Time Placement

Always place the time when something starts *before* the word '开始'. For example: '我们明天开始' (We start tomorrow).

Let's Start

To say 'Let's start,' simply say '我们开始吧' (Wǒmen kāishǐ ba). It's very natural and polite.

Noun Usage

Remember that '开始' can be a noun. Use it in phrases like '新的开始' (new beginning).

Avoid Duration

Don't use '开始' to describe how long an action lasted. Use it only for the moment it began.

Public Announcements

In China, listen for '正式开始' (officially begin) at the start of events or shows.

Narrative Hook

Use '在开始的时候' (At the beginning) to set the scene in your stories or essays.

Proverb Power

Memorize '万事开头难' (Everything is hard at the start) to sound more like a native speaker.

Tone Mastery

Ensure your 1st tone (kāi) is high and steady, and your 3rd tone (shǐ) dips clearly.

App Buttons

Look for the characters '开始' on 'Start' or 'Play' buttons in Chinese apps.

Technical Start

Switch to '启动' (qǐdòng) when talking about starting software or complex machinery.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Kāi' as 'Opening' a door and 'Shǐ' as the 'Beginning' of the room inside. You open the door to start your journey.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a runner at the starting line of a race, 'opening' their stride to 'begin' the run.

Word Web

开始 (Start) 结束 (End) 从...开始 (From... start) 开始吧 (Let's start) 刚开始 (Just started) 重新开始 (Restart) 开始工作 (Start work) 开始学习 (Start study)

Herausforderung

Try to use '开始' in three different sentences today: one about your morning, one about a hobby, and one about a future plan.

Wortherkunft

The word is composed of '开' (kāi) and '始' (shǐ). '开' originally depicted two hands opening a gate. '始' is composed of '女' (woman) and '台' (phonetic/platform), originally referring to the beginning of life or birth.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To open the beginning; to initiate a process.

Sino-Tibetan

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities; '开始' is a neutral and safe word to use in all social contexts.

English speakers often use 'start' and 'begin' interchangeably, but in Chinese, '开始' is the dominant choice for almost all general contexts.

The phrase '万事开头难' is frequently quoted in Chinese graduation speeches. The movie 'Inception' is translated as '盗梦空间', but its themes deal with the '开始' of ideas. Laozi's 'Tao Te Ching' discusses the 'beginning' of the universe (天下有始).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At School

开始上课
开始考试
开始练习
开始讨论

At Work

开始开会
开始项目
开始写报告
开始加班

At Home

开始吃饭
开始睡觉
开始打扫
开始看电视

In Sports

开始比赛
开始跑步
开始训练
开始热身

In Travel

开始旅程
开始检票
开始登机
开始降落

Gesprächseinstiege

"我们什么时候开始？ (When do we start?)"

"你什么时候开始学中文的？ (When did you start learning Chinese?)"

"电影已经开始了吗？ (Has the movie already started?)"

"我们可以开始点菜了吗？ (Can we start ordering food?)"

"你准备好开始新工作了吗？ (Are you ready to start your new job?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

描述你今天是如何开始的。 (Describe how your day started today.)

你最想开始学习什么新技能？为什么？ (What new skill do you most want to start learning? Why?)

谈谈你生活中一个重要的‘开始’。 (Talk about an important 'beginning' in your life.)

如果可以重新开始一件事，你会选什么？ (If you could restart one thing, what would you choose?)

‘万事开头难’，你同意吗？请举例。 ('Everything is hard at the start,' do you agree? Give an example.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, for starting a car, you should use '打火' (dǎhuǒ) or '启动' (qǐdòng). '开始' is used for actions, not mechanical ignition.

No, it can also be a noun meaning 'the beginning.' For example, '这是一个好的开始' (This is a good start).

You should say '我两年前开始学中文' (Wǒ liǎng nián qián kāishǐ xué Zhōngwén). Remember, the time 'two years ago' comes before '开始'.

'开' usually means to physically open something (like a door) or turn something on (like a light). '开始' means to initiate an event or process.

Yes, adding '了' at the end is very common to indicate that the action of eating has successfully begun.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations. For very formal writing, you might use '开启' or '开端'.

You say '什么时候开始？' (Shénme shíhou kāishǐ?).

No. You cannot say '开始三小时'. You must say '开始三个小时了' (It has been three hours since it started) or '三小时前开始' (Started three hours ago).

The most common opposite is '结束' (jiéshù), which means to end or finish.

Usually, people use '开机' (kāijī) or '启动' (qǐdòng) for starting a computer.

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