最初用英语怎么说？

一种可能的翻译是 "originally"。来源方面，该词源自拉丁语 "origine"，意思是 "根源"或 "起源"。下面是一些例句及其中文翻译：

The novel was originally written in French. (这本小说最初是法语写成的。)

The building was originally designed as a hotel. (这座建筑原本被设计成了一家酒店。)

The company was originally founded in the 1950s. (这家公司最初是在 1950 年代成立的。)