The early hydration characteristics according to the C3S/C3A ratio and presence of gypsum, in order to establish the hydration mechanism of the system C3S-C3A, have been studied. The rate of C3S dissolution in the system C3S-Gypsum was higher than that in the system C3S. Consequently, the induction period was reduced and the rate of Ca(OH)2 formation in the accleration period was increased. The hydration of C3S in the system C3S-C3A was retarded because Al3+ in the liquid phase originating from the hydration of C3A was incorporated into calcium hydrosilicates formed. The retardation phenomenon of C3S hydration was not appeared in the system C3S-C3A-gypsum because the reaction of monosulfate formation became the rate-determining step.