Translation guide
Expresses that something should have been considered from the beginning, or that a fundamental condition is not met. Often used to emphasize a point, express regret, or question the basis of a situation.
To stress that something is the most basic or important reason, or that a condition was not met from the start.
A common adverb used to bring the discussion back to the fundamental point. It can be used to question the premise or to state the basic reason.
そもそも、なぜそんなことをしたの？
Why did you do that in the first place?
そもそも彼に頼むのが間違いだった。
It was a mistake to ask him in the first place.
Literally 'from the beginning'. Used when emphasizing that something was true or should have been done from the start.
最初からそう言ってくれればよかったのに。
You should have told me that in the first place.
Means 'originally' or 'from the start'. Used to state that something was inherently the case.
元々無理な計画だったんだ。
It was an impossible plan in the first place.
To introduce the first item in a list of reasons or arguments.
Formal expression meaning 'firstly' or 'in the first place'. Used in structured arguments.
第一に、予算が足りない。第二に、時間がない。
In the first place, we don't have enough budget. Secondly, we don't have time.
Emphasizes the first point. 'First of all'.
まず第一に、安全を確保しなければならない。
In the first place, we must ensure safety.
To say that something should not have happened or been done because a basic condition was missing.
Pattern meaning 'should not have done'. Often combined with そもそも or 最初から.
そもそもあんなことを言うべきではなかった。
I shouldn't have said such a thing in the first place.
Casual regret pattern. 'I shouldn't have...'.
最初から来るんじゃなかった。
I shouldn't have come in the first place.
そもそも is used to question the fundamental premise or state the basic reason, often in arguments or when pointing out a flaw. 最初から simply means 'from the beginning' and is more neutral. Use そもそも when you want to emphasize the underlying issue.
そもそも彼にその権利があるのか？
Does he even have that right in the first place?
最初からやり直そう。
Let's start over from the beginning.