Chinese phrase
一开始没认出你 yì kāi shǐ méi rèn chū nǐ
Meaning
I didn't realize it was you at first
When to use it
It expresses not recognizing someone at first. It often refers to a brief delay in recognition after a change in appearance or an unexpected meeting, and sounds neutral in conversation.
Example dialogue
哇，好久不见！一开始没认出你，你换发型了？ wa háo jiǔ bú jiàn yì kāi shǐ méi rèn chū nǐ nǐ huàn fà xíng le
Wow, long time no see! I didn't realize it was you at first. Did you change your hairstyle?
是啊，刚剪的，好久不见，你最近怎么样？ shì a gāng jiǎn de háo jiǔ bú jiàn nǐ zuì jìn zěn me yàng
Yeah, I just got it cut. Long time no see. How have you been lately?