起点

• Pinyin: qǐ diǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 起 = 走 (walk) + 己 (self) — to rise up and go; 点 = 黑 (black) + 占 (occupy) — a dot or point

Meaning

Starting point; origin. The place or moment where something begins.

Used both literally (the start of a race or journey) and figuratively (the beginning of a career, relationship, or process). Often contrasted with 终点 (endpoint). Common in motivational contexts, such as discussing new beginnings or one's initial circumstances in life.

Examples

1. 人生的每一天都可以是新的起点。 Every day of life can be a new starting point.
2. 这座城市是古代丝绸之路的起点。 This city was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.
3. 虽然起点不同，但我们都在努力向前。 Although our starting points are different, we are all striving forward.

Usage Guide

Context: motivation, geography, career

Tone: inspiring

Do Say

• 起点低不代表终点低。(A low starting point doesn't mean a low ending point.)
• 我们都站在同一个起点上。(We all stand at the same starting point.)

Don't Say

• 不要把'起点'和'出发点'混淆 (Don't confuse 起点 starting point with 出发点 departure point or motive — they have different nuances)

Origin & History

Compound of 起 (to rise, to begin) and 点 (point, dot). Together they denote the point of beginning or origin.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal