co1 kei4初期
Jyutpingco1 kei4
Yalechō kèih
Definition
The initial stage, early period, or the beginning phase of a process.
neutraltimedescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to the beginning phase of a process, project, or illness. It is frequently paired with time markers like 年代 or 發展 to pinpoint when something started. Unlike the more general start, it implies a span of time rather than a single point.
Examples
This project is still in its early stages.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to describe the start of a physical journey or a simple action, as it is reserved for abstract timelines or developmental processes.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
