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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to the "beginning of the year" with 年初 (niánchū)

    Time Expressions

    Structure

    Year + 年初

    Explanation

    The noun 年初 (niánchū) means "the beginning of the year." It is a time expression used to refer to the early part of a calendar year. For example, 今年年初 means "at the beginning of this year."

    Examples

    • 年初的时候我给自己定了几个目标。

      niánchū de shíhou wǒ gěi zìjǐ dìng le jǐ ge mùbiāo.

      At the beginning of the year, I set several goals for myself.

    • 公司年初就开始筹备这个项目了。

      gōngsī niánchū jiù kāishǐ chóubèi zhège xiàngmù le.

      The company began preparing for this project at the beginning of the year.

    • 今年年初他换了一份新工作。

      jīnnián niánchū tā huàn le yī fèn xīn gōngzuò.

      He switched to a new job at the beginning of this year.

    Often Confused With

    Referring to the "beginning of the year" with 年初 (niánchū) | Chinese Grammar