起先

qǐxiān

adverb #13,850

Meanings

1 at first; in the beginning; originally

Characters

to rise; to start

Examples

HSK 4

起先我不同意，后来改变了主意。

Qǐxiān wǒ bù tóngyì, hòulái gǎibiàn le zhǔyi.

At first I didn't agree, but later I changed my mind.

HSK 4

起先他很害羞，慢慢就好了。

Qǐxiān tā hěn hàixiū, mànmàn jiù hǎo le.

He was shy at first, but gradually got better.

Tips

usage

Often paired with a follow-up clause to describe a change: at first... but later...

Stroke Order

起 qǐ

先 xiān