ci2始

Jyutpingci2

Yalechí

語素Common

Definition

To begin, start, or originate; first; for the first time.

neutraltimedaily actions

How it's used

Functions almost exclusively as a formal or literary morpheme in Cantonese, rarely appearing as a standalone verb in spoken speech. It is most commonly encountered as part of the compound 開始, which is the standard way to express the concept of starting something. When used in more formal contexts, it carries a sense of origin or the very first instance of an event.

Examples

le1呢gin2件si6事hai6係jau4由keoi5佢hoi1開ci2始gaau2搞hei2起㗎。

This whole thing was started by him.

nei5你gei2幾si4時hoi1開ci2始hok6學zing2整daan6蛋gou1糕aa4呀？

When did you start learning to bake cakes?

Common phrases

hoi1開ci2始

to begin

ci2始zung1終

from beginning to end; eventually

Common mistake

Learners often try to use it as a standalone verb like start, but in natural spoken Cantonese, you should use 開頭 or 開始 instead. Using 始 alone in a sentence will sound like you are reading from a classical text rather than speaking to a friend.