Translation guide
Ways to introduce the first point or step in English, from formal presentations to casual conversation.
The speaker wants to present the first of several points, reasons, or steps.
A clear and common way to say 'first of all' when listing points. Suitable for both speech and writing.
まず第一に、環境問題について話したいと思います。
First of all, I'd like to talk about environmental issues.
A simpler, very common word meaning 'first' or 'to begin with'. Often used in casual and semi-formal contexts.
まず、自己紹介をします。
First of all, let me introduce myself.
Means 'first' or 'at the beginning'. Used when describing the first step in a process or the first thing to do.
最初に、材料を確認してください。
First of all, please check the ingredients.
Emphasizes that something is the most important thing to do or consider first. 'Above all else, first...'
何よりもまず、安全を確保してください。
First of all, ensure safety above everything else.
The speaker is opening a formal talk or meeting and wants to begin with an introductory remark.
A polite and standard way to start a speech or presentation. 'First of all' or 'to begin with'.
まず初めに、本日はお集まりいただきありがとうございます。
First of all, thank you all for gathering here today.
Can also be used in presentations, though slightly less formal than まず初めに.
最初に、今日のアジェンダを説明します。
First of all, I'll explain today's agenda.
The speaker wants to stress that something must be done or considered before anything else.
Used in casual conversation to mean 'anyway, first of all' or 'first things first'. Implies urgency or priority.
とにかくまず、宿題を終わらせよう。
First of all, let's finish our homework.
Means 'before anything else' or 'first of all' in a sense of setting aside other concerns. Often used when there are many things to do but one takes priority.
何はともあれ、医者に診てもらいなさい。
First of all, go see a doctor.
Both mean 'first', but まず is more about the order of actions or points in a discussion, while 最初に emphasizes the very beginning of a time sequence or process. まず is more common in listing reasons or steps.
まず、理由を三つ挙げます。
First of all, I'll give three reasons.
最初に、会議室に入ってください。
First of all, please enter the conference room.
一番目 (いちばんめ) means 'the first one' in a numbered list, not 'first of all' as a discourse marker. Using it to start a speech sounds unnatural.
一番目、自己紹介をします。
First of all, I'll introduce myself. (unnatural)
まず第一に、皆さんに感謝したいと思います。
First of all, I want to thank everyone.
まず、スケジュールを確認しましょう。
First of all, let's check the schedule.