起笔

qǐbǐ

起笔 — qǐbǐ

1. to begin writing; to put the first stroke/line (of a character, essay, etc.)

   写作之前，他常常犹豫很久才起笔。 xiězuò zhīqián tā chángcháng yóuyù hěnjiǔ cái qǐbǐ — Before writing, he often hesitates for a long time before beginning to write.

2. the way one begins writing; opening stroke or opening paragraph (in calligraphy or composition)

   这幅字的起笔非常有力，显示了书法家的功底。 zhèfú zì de qǐbǐ fēicháng yǒulì xiǎnshì le shūfǎjiā de gōngdǐ — The opening strokes of this piece are very forceful, showing the calligrapher's skill.