早期 zǎoqī early period
early period; early phase; early stage
How to remember 早期: 早 early + 期 a period of time = early period.
Characters
How it is used
- The early period/stage of something - 早期作品 (zǎoqī zuòpǐn) early works, 癌症早期 (áizhèng zǎoqī) early-stage cancer.
- Pairs against 中期 (middle) and 晚期/后期 (late); used for careers, diseases, historical eras, projects - not for "early in the day."