Meaning and Usage
"早期" (zǎoqī) refers to the early period or initial stage of an event, process, or development. It is commonly used to describe the beginning phase of something, such as a company's development, a disease, or historical periods.
Common Collocations
- 早期阶段 (early stage): used to specify the initial phase of a process or development.
- 早期发现 (early detection): often used in medical contexts emphasizing the importance of detecting diseases early.
- 早期教育 (early education): refers to education provided in the early years of a child's life.
Usage Notes
When using 早期, it usually modifies nouns related to time periods or stages. It often appears in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as business, medicine, history, and education. Avoid confusing 早期 with 早上 (early morning) or 早晨 (morning), which refer specifically to times of day rather than periods or stages.
Summary
Use 早期 to talk about the beginning phase of something important or significant. It helps emphasize that something happens or is recognized at an early time, which often implies advantages like better outcomes or foundational importance.