起初 is an adverb meaning 'at first' or 'initially', describing the beginning phase of a situation, process, or experience. It emphasizes how things were before they changed — often followed by a contrast with how things developed later (e.g., using words like 但是, 后来, or 可是). The character 起 means 'to rise' or 'to begin', and 初 means 'the beginning' or 'first instance'; together, they literally evoke 'the rising of the first stage'. It’s commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in narratives, personal reflections, or explanations of change over time.

This word typically appears at the start of a clause or sentence, though it can also follow a subject. It carries a neutral, slightly formal tone — more common in writing or thoughtful speech than in casual chit-chat (where people might say 一开始 instead). It does not modify verbs directly like some adverbs; rather, it sets the temporal frame for the whole clause, helping listeners understand the chronological order of events.