初

Formed as a phono-semantic compound:

衣 (clothing, garment) — semantic component, associated with making clothes.

刀 (knife) — phonetic element, also reinforcing the sense of “cutting.”

The character depicts the act of cutting cloth to make garments. From this practical origin, the meaning extended metaphorically to signify the very first step or beginning of something.

First appears in the late Warring States to Han dynasty inscriptions.

Related in structure to other “cutting / beginning” characters such as 切 (to cut, sever).

Semantic range:

- the beginning, the first (처음, 최초);

- early stage, initial step;

- elementary, simple, basic (cf. 初級 “beginner level”);

- by extension, “original, unadorned, plain.”

최초 (最初) — the very first, origin

초기 (初期) — the initial period, early stage

초등 (初等) — elementary, primary (e.g., 초등학교 “elementary school”)

처음 (初音) — beginning, first occurrence

초심 (初心) — original intention, beginner’s mind

초하루 (初一日) — the first day of the lunar month

初 is often paired with 心 (heart, mind) in Confucian and Buddhist contexts: 初心 (beginner’s mind, original intent). It emphasizes returning to one’s fundamental sincerity or first motivation.

In Zen Buddhism, 初心 refers to the pure openness of a novice, unburdened by assumptions — a state to be cherished even as one gains experience.

In Confucian texts, 初 can also mean “original” or “basic,” aligning with the emphasis on returning to fundamental principles.