The sprouts of capitalism appeared in the Ming Dynasty.
Tips
usage
萌芽 is commonly used figuratively to describe the early stage of something developing: 萌芽阶段 (embryonic stage), 萌芽状态 (budding state). It can also be used as a verb meaning 'to sprout.'
memory
萌 (sprout) + 芽 (bud) - both characters have the grass radical 艹 on top, reinforcing the image of new green growth pushing through soil.
