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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

    初日: first day. The Japanese noun '初日 (しょにち)' refers to the 'first day' of an event, activity, or period. It is commonly used in contexts such as the first day of a festival, the opening day of a movie, or the first day of a new job. For example: The first day of the festival was crowded「祭りの初日は混雑していた」(まつりのしょにちはこんざつしていた). The movie's opening day is tomorrow「映画の初日は明日です」(えいがのしょにちはあしたです). This word emphasizes the beginning or commencement of something significant.

    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:

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.