시작
sijak
/ɕi.dʑak̚/
Definition
The beginning or start of something, such as an event, task, or period of time.
Example
새로운 시작은 항상 설레는 법이다.
A new beginning is always exciting.
Etymology
시작 is a Sino-Korean word composed of 始 (시, *si*, "to begin") and 作 (작, *jak*, "to make/do"), literally conveying the idea of "making a beginning." The Sino-Korean stratum, borrowed via Classical Chinese, forms a large portion of Korean's formal and abstract vocabulary.
Cultural note
Koreans often use 시작이 반이다 ("starting is half the battle") — a beloved proverb encouraging action over hesitation. It's a common phrase in schools, workplaces, and motivational speeches, roughly equivalent to the English "well begun is half done." Note that 시작 is used both as a standalone noun and in the verb form 시작하다 (to start/begin), which is the more active, everyday form.