初

First, Beginning

はじ-め (haji-me), はじ-めて (hajimete), はつ (hatsu), うい (ui)

JLPT N3

Interesting Fact

Japan has many traditions beginning with 初 (first), such as 初日の出 (first sunrise of the year), 初夢 (first dream), and 初詣 (the first shrine visit of the New Year).

Memory Trick

Imagine taking your VERY FIRST step while wearing a brand-new kimono. That exciting beginning helps you remember 初.

Readings

Onyomi: ショ (sho)

Kunyomi: はじ-め (haji-me), はじ-めて (hajimete), はつ (hatsu), うい (ui)

Example Words

最初

さいしょ (saisho)

Beginning, First

初めて

はじめて (hajimete)

For the first time

初日

しょにち (shonichi)

First day

初心者

しょしんしゃ (shoshinsha)

Beginner

Example Sentence

私は初めて日本へ行きました。

わたしははじめてにほんへいきました。

watashi wa hajimete Nihon e ikimashita

I went to Japan for the first time.

Related Kanjis

始

Begin, Start

最

Most, Greatest, Maximum

新

New