私の最初の
watashi no saisho no
The Japanese phrase for "my first" is 私の最初の (watashi no saisho no).
In more formal contexts, if you wish to highlight the specific role or position you held during a first experience, you might use the phrase ＜person＞としての初めて.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 私の最初の must be followed by a noun. This is because the no at the end of the phrase functions to turn saisho into an adjective that modifies the noun that follows it.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi no saisho no
Did you know?
- To talk about 'first love', Japanese speakers avoid the literal saisho no koi and instead use the compound hatsukoi. This creates a more poetic and emotional tone than standard grammar.
- The kanji 初 used in 'first' also appears in 初詣 (hatsumōde), which refers to the first shrine visit of the New Year. This is one of the most vital cultural traditions in Japan.
- While saisho describes the first in a sequence, the word hajimete is used to express the novelty of a first-time experience. Using saisho for a trip or event can make it sound like a numbered list.
Examples in context
- 初めての旅行My first trip
- 初めての仕事My first job
- 初めての友達My first friend
- 学生としての初めての大会My first competition as a student
- 新入社員としての初めての研修My first training as a new employee
- 飛行機に乗るのは初めてですIt's my first time riding a plane.
- 東京へ行くのは初めてですIt's my first time going to Tokyo.
- これは私の最初の失敗です。Kore wa watashi no saisho no shippai desu.This is my first mistake.
- 私の最初の目的地は東京です。Watashi no saisho no mokutekichi wa Toukyou desu.My first destination is Tokyo.
- 私の最初のプレゼントは本でした。Watashi no saisho no purezento wa hon deshita.My first present was a book.
Example conversation
Hiyori and Ren are talking about their hobbies.
- 陽葵 Himari見て、私の最初の絵だよ。Mite, watashi no saisho no e dayo.Look, it's my first painting.
- 蓮 Renとても上手ですね。Totemo jouzu desu ne.You are very good at it.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に？嬉しいな。Hontou ni? Ureshii na.Really? I'm so happy.
- 蓮 Ren自信を持っていいですよ。Jishin o motte ii desu yo.You can be confident.
