Translation guide
Expressing that you are doing something for the first time in Japanese involves specific grammar patterns and adverbs. The most common way is using the phrase 初めて (hajimete) with a verb, but there are also other expressions like 初 (hatsu) + noun or the pattern 〜のは初めてです (〜no wa hajimete desu).
Expressing that an action is being done for the first time, without specifying what it is.
This is the most common way to say 'doing something for the first time'. 初めて (hajimete) is an adverb meaning 'for the first time', placed before the verb.
初めて寿司を食べました。
I ate sushi for the first time.
初めて日本に行きます。
I'm going to Japan for the first time.
This pattern nominalizes the verb with の and states that it is the first time. It emphasizes the experience itself.
寿司を食べるのは初めてです。
This is my first time eating sushi.
日本に行くのは初めてです。
This is my first time going to Japan.
Used with certain nouns to mean 'first ~'. Common in set phrases like 初体験 (first experience), 初来日 (first visit to Japan). More formal or written.
Literally 'for the first time since being born', used for dramatic emphasis on a truly unprecedented experience.
生まれて初めて富士山を見ました。
I saw Mt. Fuji for the first time in my life.
Specifying the activity that is being done for the first time.
States that a particular thing or activity is a first-time experience. The noun can be an activity like 寿司 (sushi) or 旅行 (travel).
寿司は初めてです。
This is my first time having sushi.
海外旅行は初めてです。
This is my first overseas trip.
Used to describe a noun as being one's first. Often used in phrases like 初めての経験 (first experience) or 初めての海外旅行 (first overseas trip).
初めての海外旅行です。
It's my first overseas trip.
初めての経験でした。
It was a first experience.
Inquiring whether someone is doing something for the first time.
A simple and common way to ask 'Is this your first time?'.
日本は初めてですか？
Is this your first time in Japan?
寿司は初めてですか？
Is this your first time eating sushi?
A more explanatory or curious way to ask, often used when you suspect it's their first time.
初めて来たんですか？
Is this your first time here?
Do not directly translate 'for the first time' as 最初の時 (saisho no toki) or 第一回 (dai ikkai). These are not natural for expressing personal first-time experiences. Use 初めて (hajimete) instead.
初めて (hajimete) is an adverb meaning 'for the first time' and is used with actions. 最初 (saisho) means 'first' in a sequence or 'at first', and is not used to say 'I did X for the first time'. For example, 最初に寿司を食べた means 'I ate sushi first (before other things)', not 'I ate sushi for the first time'.
最初に寿司を食べました。
I ate sushi first (before other dishes).
初めて寿司を食べました。
I ate sushi for the first time.
昨日、初めて納豆を食べました。
I tried natto for the first time yesterday.
日本で運転するのは初めてですか？
Is this your first time driving in Japan?