(zhào) - To begin, to initiate, to start & to create, to found

Tone 4

zhào | 14 strokes | radical:

· zhào

To begin, to initiate, to start;

to create, to found;

to cause, to bring about.

To begin, to initiate, to startto create, to foundto cause, to bring about.

Usage highlights

To begin and endTo initiate a planTo cause troubleTo found a stateTo create a systemTo initiate an event

Synonyms

  • beginning, start
  • create, establish
  • open, initiate
  • open, start

Antonyms

  • end, conclusion
  • conclude, finish
  • end, final part

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The company was founded in 1990 (公司肇始于1990年).
  • This event marked the beginning of a new era (此事肇端了一个新时代).
  • He initiated the reform (他肇启了改革).
  • The accident was caused by negligence (事故肇因于疏忽).

Collocations

  • To begin and end(肇始与终结)
  • To initiate a plan(肇端计划)
  • To cause trouble(肇祸)
  • To found a state(肇国)
  • To create a system(肇制)
  • To initiate an event(肇启事件)

Idioms

  • To open up and establish(肇开建立)
  • To initiate a great undertaking(肇基大业)
  • To create a precedent(肇造先例)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 肇 carries a formal and weighty connotation, often used in historical or literary contexts to denote the founding or initiation of significant events, dynasties, or institutions.
  • It is associated with creation and causation, implying a sense of origin and responsibility for what follows.
  • In classical texts, it is used to describe the act of establishing rules, states, or moral principles.

FAQ