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What is the Kanji for 'Beginning' and 'First'? | 初

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Beginning' and 'First', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Beginning' and 'First' is 初.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Beginning, First

    Reading

    kunyomiはじ

    haji

    so

    はつ

    hatsu

    onyomiしょ

    sho

    Parts

    Sword

    Example Word

    最初: beginning. The Japanese noun '最初 (さいしょ)' means 'beginning' or 'the first'. It refers to the very start of something, such as an event, process, or period. This word is often used to emphasize the initial stage or point in time. For example: At the beginning, it was difficult「最初は難しかった」(さいしょはむずかしかった). Let's start from the beginning「最初から始めましょう」(さいしょからはじめましょう). It can also be used to describe the first occurrence of something, as in '最初の試み (さいしょのこころみ) (the first attempt)'. Note that '最初' is distinct from '始め (はじめ)', which can also mean 'beginning' but often refers to the start of an action or process rather than a specific point in time.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    4

    Frequency

    226

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    component

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sword

Words Using

This kanji is used in 15 words:

    word

    最初

    Meaning

    Beginning

    word

    初めて

    Meaning

    First

    word

    初め

    Meaning

    Beginning

    word

    初期

    Meaning

    Early, Initial

    word

    当初

    Meaning

    Beginning

    word

    Meaning

    First

    word

    初日

    Meaning

    First day

    word

    初歩

    Meaning

    Basics

    word

    初夏

    Meaning

    Early summer

    word

    初心

    Meaning

    Beginner

    word

    初級

    Meaning

    Beginner

    word

    月初め

    Meaning

    Start

    word

    初代

    Meaning

    First generation

    word

    初恋

    Meaning

    First love

    word

    初詣で

    Meaning

    First shrine visit

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 9 kanji contain the part 衤 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Duplicate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Supplement

    kanji

    Meaning

    Incur, Be subjected to

    kanji

    Meaning

    Abundant

    kanji

    Meaning

    Naked, Nude

    kanji

    Meaning

    Brown, Woollen kimono

    kanji

    Meaning

    Neck, Collar

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sleeve

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hem

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 9 kanji contain the part 刀 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Minute, Part

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cut

    kanji

    Meaning

    Solve, Untie

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ticket

    kanji

    Meaning

    Boundary, Vicinity

    kanji

    Meaning

    Kidnap

    kanji

    Meaning

    Blade

    kanji

    Meaning

    Seduce, Summon

    kanji

    Meaning

    Few, Widow

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 初 mean?

初 means 'Beginning' and 'First'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fourth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N3 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.