zì自fromshǐ始beginningzhì至tozhōng终end
From beginning to end; from start to finish.
Literal meaning
from (自) — beginning (始) — to (至) — end (终)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase emphasizing completeness and consistency.
Examples
Tā zìshǐ-zhìzhōng dōu bǎochízhe wēixiào.他自始至终都保持着微笑。
He maintained a smile from beginning to end.
Wǒmen yīnggāi zìshǐ-zhìzhōng jiānchí zìjǐ de yuánzé.我们应该自始至终坚持自己的原则。
We should adhere to our principles from beginning to end.
Usage & nuances
Often used to describe a consistent attitude or behavior.
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