HSK · Level 14
135 words
Chinese word
早期
Pronunciation
Pinyinzǎo qī
Meaning
- nounearly stage
Example
在早期，症状往往不明显。zài zǎo qī zhèng zhuàng wáng wǎng bù míng xiǎn
In the early stages, symptoms are often not obvious.
More examples
早期发现可以提高治愈率。zǎo qī fā xiàn ké yǐ tí gāo zhì yù lǜ
Early detection can increase the cure rate.
Core concept
The opening stretch of a longer span, viewed as a position in time rather than a single moment.
Common phrases
早期发现zǎo qī fā xiàn
early detection
早期诊断zǎo qī zhěn duàn
early diagnosis
早期干预zǎo qī gān yù
early intervention
Similar words
初期chū qī: The initial phase of a period or process, especially the time just after it begins.
Definition in Chinese
表示某事在时间位置上处于开始或前半段，侧重指示时间上的早期而非具体时刻。biǎo shì mǒu shì zài shí jiān wèi zhì shàng chǔ yú kāi shǐ huò qián bàn duàn cè zhòng zhǐ shì shí jiān shàng de zǎo qī ér fēi jù tǐ shí kè
Word origin
早期 (zǎoqī, "early period") joins 早 (zǎo, "early") with 期 (qī, "period"), making a compact term for the beginning portion of a period.
Usage tips
- Unlike expressions such as "the first day," this word usually points to a broad stretch of time, while the context supplies its exact length.