co1 gin3初見初见

Jyutpingco1 gin3

Yalechō gin

Rare

Definition

To see, meet, or experience for the first time.

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

While often appearing in written contexts like literature or formal introductions, it is perfectly natural in speech when reflecting on the beginning of a relationship or a significant encounter. It carries a slightly more romantic or sentimental weight compared to the more neutral 第一次見面. It is frequently used to frame a shared memory rather than just a simple chronological fact.

Examples

ngo5我dei6哋co1初gin3見go2嗰zan6陣，keoi5佢hou2好paa3怕cau2醜㗎。

When we first met, he was very shy.

nei5你zung6仲gei3記m4唔gei3記dak1得ngo5我dei6哋co1初gin3見ge3嘅dei6地fong1方？

Do you still remember the place where we first met?

Related words

Common phrases

co1初gin3見min6面

first meeting

co1初gin3見jan3印zoeng6象

first impression

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 第一次見面, which is purely descriptive and factual. Using 初見 implies a sense of narrative or emotional significance, so it sounds slightly odd if used for mundane events like meeting a delivery person for the first time.