Which musical phrase means "from the beginning"?

The phrase that means "from the beginning" in music is "Da capo." This term instructs the performer to return to the beginning of the piece after reaching a designated point, often indicated by another musical term, such as "Fine," which signals the end of the piece.

Understanding "Da capo" helps musicians interpret and navigate through compositions that are structured with repeated sections, allowing for a seamless return to the original material and contributing to the overall form of the piece.

The other terms have specific functions in music but do not convey the direction to return to the start. "Fine" marks the conclusion of a piece, "Dal segno" instructs musicians to return to a specific sign within the music, and "Ritardando" indicates a gradual slowing down of tempo, none of which imply returning to the very beginning of the composition.