当初
How to Understand
当初 means 'at first' or 'in the beginning,' often used to refer to a past situation or decision that is now being reconsidered or contrasted with the present. It highlights the initial state or intention before something changed.
The character 当 (dāng) means 'at the time of' or 'corresponding to,' and 初 (chū) means 'beginning' or 'first.' Together, they form a phrase that literally translates to 'at the beginning' or 'in the early stage.'
When used in conversation, 当初 often implies a contrast between past and present. For example, it might be used when someone reflects on a decision made earlier and now realizes it was different from what they expected. It's commonly used in storytelling, personal reflections, or discussions about change over time.