Translation guide
The English word 'first' can express order, priority, or initial occurrence. In Japanese, the translation depends on whether you mean 'number one in a sequence', 'before anything else', 'for the first time', or 'the first thing to do'. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these nuances.
To indicate that something is the initial item in a series or ranking.
The most common and versatile word for 'first' in a sequence. Can be used as a noun or adverb.
最初のページを開いてください。
Please open the first page.
最初に自己紹介をしましょう。
First, let's introduce ourselves.
Literally 'number one'. Used for explicit ordering, like in lists or rankings.
一番目の候補者は彼です。
The first candidate is him.
Formal or written style, often used in compound words or formal contexts like 'first place' or 'first priority'.
安全が第一です。
Safety comes first.
彼は第一希望の大学に合格した。
He got into his first-choice university.
To express that an action should be done before others, or that something is the initial step.
An adverb meaning 'first of all' or 'to begin with'. Very common in instructions and conversation.
まず、手を洗ってください。
First, please wash your hands.
まずはビールで乾杯しましょう。
First, let's toast with beer.
Similar to まず, but slightly more literal ('at the beginning'). Often interchangeable.
最初に宿題を終わらせなさい。
Finish your homework first.
Means 'ahead' or 'before others'. Used when doing something before someone else or before another action.
お先にどうぞ。
Please go first.
To express that something is happening or being experienced initially.
Adverb meaning 'for the first time'. Used with verbs to indicate a first experience.
日本は初めてですか。
Is this your first time in Japan?
初めて寿司を食べた。
I ate sushi for the first time.
Prefix meaning 'first' in compounds like 初体験 (first experience) or 初来日 (first visit to Japan). More formal or written.
To express the initial step in a process or the most important priority.
A set phrase meaning 'first and foremost'. Emphasizes top priority.
まず第一に、健康が大切です。
First and foremost, health is important.
Means 'above all else, first'. Stronger emphasis on priority.
何よりもまず、安全を確保してください。
First and foremost, please ensure safety.
To indicate winning or being number one in a contest.
Means 'first place' in rankings or competitions.
彼はマラソンで一位になった。
He got first place in the marathon.
Means 'victory' or 'championship'. Used when winning a tournament or competition.
最初 (saisho) refers to the beginning of a sequence or order, while 初めて (hajimete) refers to a first-time experience. For example, 最初のページ (the first page) vs 初めてのページ (a page you see for the first time).
最初の授業は難しい。
The first class is difficult.
初めての授業は緊張した。
I was nervous in my first-ever class.
一番 (ichiban) means 'number one' or 'most', but not 'first' in a sequence. Use 最初 or 一番目 instead.
一番好きな色は青です。
My favorite color is blue. (NOT 'first')
まず、ルールを説明します。
First, let me explain the rules.
これは私の初めての海外旅行です。
This is my first trip abroad.
彼女はレースで一位になった。
She finished first in the race.
Go ahead and eat first.
I was moved when I visited Japan for the first time.
彼女はテニス大会で優勝した。
She won first place in the tennis tournament.