Introduction to ‘當初 (dāng chū)’
The phrase ‘當初 (dāng chū)’ is a commonly used term in the Chinese language that refers to ‘at that time’ or ‘originally.’ It is used to describe a specific moment in the past, often without the connotation of nostalgia or regret. This phrase plays a significant role in conversations where context and timing are crucial.
Meaning of ‘當初 (dāng chū)’
In essence, ‘當初’ conveys the idea of the initial circumstances or conditions of a particular situation. This can be moments of decision, feelings, or circumstances that led to the current state of affairs. The term can be seen as a way to contrast past and present situations.
Contextual Significance
Using ‘當初’ allows speakers to transition from past experiences to present situations effectively. It helps to explain how time frames affect decisions or emotions. For example, someone might reflect on their initial motivations for pursuing a career or the decisions that led them to a particular life path.
Grammatical Structure of ‘當初 (dāng chū)’
‘當初’ is a compound word that combines two characters: ‘當’ (dāng), meaning ‘to act as’ or ‘to be,’ and ‘初’ (chū), meaning ‘beginning’ or ‘initial.’ Together, they suggest the meaning of ‘the initial time’ or ‘originally.’
Word Class
In grammatical terms, ‘當初’ functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs or actions in a sentence, indicating when those actions took place. Understanding its placement and usage is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences in Chinese.
Usage in Sentences
‘當初’ is typically placed before the verb it modifies, providing a clear temporal reference. Here are some examples of how ‘當初’ can be utilized within sentences:
Example Sentences Using ‘當初 (dāng chū)’
Example 1
當初,我以為這樣做會有更好的結果。 (Dāng chū, wǒ yǐwéi zhèyàng zuò huì yǒu gèng hǎo de jiéguǒ.)
Translation: “At that time, I thought doing it this way would yield better results.”
Example 2
當初我們的計劃是去旅行,但最終沒有成行。 (Dāng chū wǒmen de jìhuà shì qù lǚxíng, dàn zuìzhōng méiyǒu chéng xíng.)
Translation: “Initially, our plan was to travel, but in the end, we didn’t go.”
Example 3
當初她選擇這份工作是因為興趣。 (Dāng chū tā xuǎnzé zhè fèn gōngzuò shì yīnwèi xìngqù.)
Translation: “She chose this job originally because of her interest.”
Example 4
我當初對這個項目沒抱太大希望。 (Wǒ dāng chū duì zhège xiàngmù méi bào tài dà xīwàng.)
Translation: “Initially, I didn’t have high hopes for this project.”
Conclusion
In summary, understanding the phrase ‘當初 (dāng chū)’ can enhance your grasp of time-related expressions in Chinese. Its grammatical structure and contextual significance make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. Mastering such phrases allows for more nuanced communication and a deeper appreciation of the language.
By incorporating ‘當初’ into your conversations, you can effectively convey past experiences and emotions, providing a clearer picture of your narratives.

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