起步

• Pinyin: qǐ bù
• Hanzi breakdown: 起 = 走 (walk) + 己 (self) (rise/start); 步 = 止 (foot) + 少 (step/pace)

Meaning

To start; to take the first step; the initial stage of a process or endeavour.

Commonly describes the beginning of a career, project, or undertaking. Collocates with 起步阶段 (initial stage) and 起步较晚 (started late). Used in business, education, and personal development contexts to mark the point of departure.

Examples

1. 这家科技公司起步于一间不足二十平方米的小车库，如今已发展为行业巨头。 This tech company started out in a small garage under 200 square feet, and has now grown into an industry giant.
2. 学习任何一门外语都要从基础语音和词汇起步，循序渐进，稳扎稳打。 To learn any foreign language, you have to start with basic pronunciation and vocabulary and build steadily, step by step.
3. 她的写作事业起步虽晚，却凭借不懈努力取得了令人瞩目的卓越成就。 Her writing career started late, but through relentless effort she achieved remarkable success.

Usage Guide

Context: business, education, career

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 万事开头难，重要的是迈出那第一步，勇敢地起步前行，不惧艰难。(The beginning of all things is hard; what matters is taking that first step and bravely setting out without fear.)
• 这个项目起步阶段资金匮乏，但团队凭借坚定的信念克服了重重困难。(The project faced a severe shortage of funds in its initial stage, but the team overcame numerous difficulties through unwavering conviction.)

Don't Say

• 我每天起步走路 — 起步 refers to the beginning of a venture or process, not physical walking; use 出发/步行 for actual walking

Origin & History

起 (to rise/start) + 步 (step/pace) — to take the starting step

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal