Also means
beginning
Usage Note
Principio has two distinct uses: an abstract rule or moral (los principios éticos) and a starting point in time or space (al principio, at the beginning). Do not confuse with el príncipe (prince). The plural principios often refers to one's values or ethics in context.
Examples
"Al principio no entendía nada."
Natural Translation
At the beginning I understood nothing.

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