adverb, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Adverbial use indicating that something happens or is experienced for the first time. Can also modify nouns with の.
See also: 始める
日本に来たのは初めてです。
This is my first time coming to Japan.
初めて寿司
When I ate sushi for the first time, it was very delicious.
adverb
only after ...; not until ...
Used after the -te form of a verb to express that something happens only after that action is completed. Often implies a condition or prerequisite.
病気になって初めて健康のありがたさがわかる。
Only after you get sick do you appreciate the value of good health.
親になって初めて親の苦労がわかった。
It was not until I became a parent that I understood my parents' hardships.
noun
first time; one's first
Colloquial noun usage, often in phrases like 初めての〜 (one's first ~).
初めての海外旅行はとても緊張した。
My first overseas trip made me very nervous.
これは初めての経験です。
This is my first experience.