The word 当初 is formed by combining two characters that each contribute a layer of temporal meaning. The first character, 当 (dāng), carries the core idea of "being at" or "facing" a specific point in time or circumstance. The second character, 初 (chū), means "the beginning" or "the initial stage". When fused, they create a composite concept that points spatially and temporally to "the point where something began", evoking the notion of the original moment or the initial circumstances in a past situation.