最初は
saisho wa
The English phrase "at first" is translated into Japanese as 最初は (saisho wa).
最初は is used to describe how things were during an initial period or at the start of a situation. Using this phrase often implies that the situation changed or evolved after that initial stage.
Meaning: initially, at the start (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 最初 (saisho) literally means "beginning" or "the first."
How do you pronounce it?
saisho wa
Did you know?
- The word 初 (hatsu) inside 最初 is the same character used in 初詣 (hatsumōde), the traditional first shrine visit of the New Year.
- While 最初は describes a state that changed, if you want to say you did something for the first time ever, you should use 初めて instead.
- While 最初は describes the start of a process, Japanese uses a different word, まず, when you want to say 'first' in a list of instructions or steps.
Examples in context
- 最初は難しいんだよ。At first, it is difficult.This sentence shows how to use 最初は to describe a difficulty at the start.Tatoeba #10715899 by bunbuku, translation #267027 by CK
- 最初は誰も私を信じなかった。No one believed me at first.This sentence uses 最初は to describe a lack of belief from others at the beginning.Tatoeba #170437 by KK_kaku_, translation #244045 by CK
- 最初は全てが大変そうだった。At first, everything seemed difficult.This sentence uses 最初は to describe how a situation seemed at the start.Tatoeba #10264472 by bunbuku, translation #267033 by CK
- 最初っから分かってたんだよ。I knew it from the beginning.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hana and Kenta are talking about learning to drive.
- 陽葵 Himari運転はどうだった？Unten wa dō datta?How was driving?
- 健太 Kenta最初は怖かったけど、今は楽しいよ。Saisho wa kowakatta kedo, ima wa tanoshii yo.At first I was scared, but now it's fun.
- 陽葵 Himariよかったね、健太。Yokatta ne, Kenta.That's good, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaうん、練習してよかった。Un, renshū shite yokatta.Yeah, I'm glad I practiced.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
