dong1 co1當初当初
Jyutpingdong1 co1
Yaledōng chō
Definition
At first, originally, or at that time.
colloquialtime
How it's used
Focuses on the contrast between a past intention or state and the current reality. It frequently appears in sentences where the speaker is reflecting on a decision that did not turn out as expected or has since changed. It carries a slightly reflective or regretful tone depending on the context.
Examples
Why did you choose this job in the first place?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 之前, which simply means before or previously. 當初 specifically emphasizes the initial point in time or the original plan, often implying that things have changed since then.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
