hei2 tau4起頭起头
Jyutpinghei2 tau4
Yalehéi tàuh
Definition
The beginning; the very start.
colloquialtimedaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on the initial phase or the inception of an event rather than just the first moment in time. It often carries a sense of the effort required to initiate a process, echoing the sentiment that the initial push is the most challenging part.
Examples
Starting this task is the hardest part; once you get through it, it will be fine.
Do you know how this whole thing started?
Related words
Common phrases
Everything is hard at the beginning.
Common mistake
Avoid using it to mean the physical top of an object or a person's head, as that would be 頭頂 or 頭部. It is strictly used for the beginning of actions, projects, or stories.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
