Translation guide
Expressing the idea of a top preference or priority in Japanese, from casual favorites to formal selections.
Expressing that something is your number one preference among options, often in casual contexts.
The most natural way to say something is your favorite or first choice. Literally 'most liked'.
この映画が一番好きです。
This movie is my first choice.
Indicating that something is the most important option to pursue or select first.
Selecting the top item from a menu, ballot, or formal set of choices.
Standard term for 'first candidate' or 'first choice' in elections, job selections, etc.
彼女が第一候補です。
She is the first choice.
The phrase '最初の選択' (saisho no sentaku) is a literal translation of 'first choice' but sounds unnatural in Japanese. It implies the first choice made chronologically, not the preferred one.
Used for formal first choices, like school applications or job preferences. Literally 'first hope/desire'.
第一希望の大学に合格した。
I got into my first-choice university.
Literally 'true favorite', often used for a top romantic interest or the most likely winner in a competition. Can sound dramatic in daily conversation.
彼が本命の候補だ。
He's the first-choice candidate.
Means 'top priority'. Used when something must be done or chosen before anything else.
安全が最優先です。
Safety is the first choice.
Adverb meaning 'first thing' or 'before anything else'. Implies immediate action or selection.
真っ先にその本を手に取った。
I grabbed that book as my first choice.
Formal term for 'first choice' in medical treatment, academic tracks, etc.
この治療法が第一選択です。
This treatment is the first choice.