Translation guide
Expresses the initial phase of a story, event, or process. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether you are narrating a story, describing a first attempt, or referring to the start of a period.
To set the scene at the start of a story, explanation, or historical account.
Common in storytelling and explanations. Literally 'at the beginning'. Often used in formal or written contexts.
初めに、神は天と地を創造された。
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
More conversational. Implies 'at first' or 'initially', often contrasting with later developments.
最初は、すべてが混沌としていた。
In the beginning, everything was chaotic.
Formal, often used in business or historical contexts to mean 'initially' or 'at the outset'.
当初は、計画は順調に進んでいた。
In the beginning, the plan was progressing smoothly.
To talk about the initial phase of doing something, often implying later change or improvement.
Natural for 'in the beginning' when describing a period of adjustment or learning. Often followed by a contrast.
最初のうちは、日本語を話すのが難しかった。
In the beginning, speaking Japanese was difficult.
Emphasizes 'when I had just started'. Very natural for personal experiences.
始めたばかりの頃は、失敗ばかりだった。
In the beginning, I made nothing but mistakes.
To refer to the beginning of a specific era, month, year, etc.
Attach to a time word. E.g., 年の初めに (at the beginning of the year).
年の初めに、目標を立てる。
In the beginning of the year, I set goals.
More vague, 'around the beginning of...'. Good for approximate time.
四月の始めの頃は、まだ寒い。
In the beginning of April, it's still cold.
初めに is often used as a narrative marker (like 'to begin with'), while 最初は emphasizes a contrast with later stages. 最初は implies 'at first, but later...'.
初めに、注意事項を説明します。
In the beginning, I will explain the precautions.
最初は緊張したが、だんだん慣れた。
In the beginning I was nervous, but gradually I got used to it.
Do not translate 'in the beginning' word-for-word as 始めの中で or similar. Use the time expressions above.