expression
first; firstly; to begin with
Used as a sentence adverb to introduce the first point or step in a sequence. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
初めに、自己紹介をさせていただきます。
First, allow me to introduce myself.
料理を作るには、
To cook, first let's gather the ingredients.
expression
Used as a section heading in books, documents, or presentations. Typically written in kana (はじめに) in this context.
この本の「はじめに」を読むと、著者の意図がよくわかる。
Reading the Introduction of this book makes the author's intention clear.
最初に also means 'first', but is more concrete and often refers to the very first action in a sequence, while 初めに can be slightly more abstract or formal.
まず is a more casual and common adverb for 'first of all', often used in instructions or everyday conversation, whereas 初めに is slightly more formal.
Derived from the noun 初め (はじめ, 'beginning') + the particle に, forming an adverbial phrase. The kanji 初め emphasizes the first time or outset, while 始め emphasizes the start of an action.