Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
开始(開始)kāishǐ(kai1shi3)
开始 (kāi shǐ) means 'to begin' or 'to start' and is commonly used to indicate the initiation of an action or event. It can refer to both physical activities, such as starting a meeting, and abstract concepts, like beginning a new phase in life. It is often used in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.
Frequency#135DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of starting anew is significant, especially during festivals like Chinese New Year when people embrace fresh beginnings. The phrase '一切从头开始' (yīqiè cóng tóu kāishǐ) reflects this cultural emphasis on new beginnings.
Memory Tip
Think of 开 (kāi) as a door opening (to start something) and 始 (shǐ) as the start of a race. Visualize opening a door to a starting line, where you are ready to begin your journey.
Meanings of 开始
kāishǐ(kai1shi3)
1to begin
2beginning
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 开始
开始Simplified
開始Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#135Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 开始
Podcast: 开始
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 开始
Quick Contrast
开始 (kāishǐ) vs 进行 (jìnxíng) — use 开始 when emphasizing the initiation of an action, while 进行 focuses on the process of ongoing action.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 开 (kāi) as a door opening (to start something) and 始 (shǐ) as the start of a race. Visualize opening a door to a starting line, where you are ready to begin your journey.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 开始 with 结束 (jié shù), which means 'to end.' It is used in both formal and informal settings, so be mindful of the context. Avoid using it in a negative sense, as it is inherently positive.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 开始 connects with other basic action verbs like 学习 (xué xí, to study) and 工作 (gōng zuò, to work), which are also about initiating actions. Focus on using it in sentences and practice with time expressions to indicate when something starts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of starting anew is significant, especially during festivals like Chinese New Year when people embrace fresh beginnings. The phrase '一切从头开始' (yīqiè cóng tóu kāishǐ) reflects this cultural emphasis on new beginnings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 开始 with 进行 (jìnxíng), which means 'to proceed.' An example mistake is saying '我们进行这个项目' (Wǒmen jìnxíng zhège xiàngmù) instead of '我们开始这个项目' (Wǒmen kāi shǐ zhège xiàngmù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 开始
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 开始 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 开始 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 开始
开始 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
You know, I wasn't sold on this trip in the beginning.
Cultural Notes for 开始
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of starting anew is significant, especially during festivals like Chinese New Year when people embrace fresh beginnings. The phrase '一切从头开始' (yīqiè cóng tóu kāishǐ) reflects this cultural emphasis on new beginnings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 开始
You can say '我开始工作了' (Wǒ kāi shǐ gōng zuò le), meaning 'I have started working.'
Yes, 开始 can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Yes, it can refer to starting actions, events, or even processes.
