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début

beginning

noun deh-BUH Less Common
Time Time Expressions

Also means

debut

Usage Note

Début marks the very start of something — a career, a film, a season. The phrase au début means 'at the beginning' and contrasts with à la fin. It entered English as 'debut' (a performer's first appearance), but in French it covers any kind of opening or commencement.

Examples

"Au début, je ne comprenais rien."

Natural Translation

At the beginning, I understood nothing.

Literal Translation

At the beginning, I not-was understanding nothing.

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