早年 (zǎo nián): In one's early years (Noun) — Meaning & Stroke Order

He lived in Beijing in his early years.

His life in his early years was not affluent, but this instead tempered his resilient character.

My dream in my early years was to become a pilot, but unfortunately, it didn't come true later.

This writer's works in his early years were relatively simple in style, but later he gradually shifted to more profound themes.

His achievements in his early years were not accomplished overnight, but through efforts unimaginable to ordinary people.