初心者
shoshinsha[ɕo̞ɕĩɰ̃ɕa̠]
The English phrase 'newbie' can be translated into Japanese using several terms depending on the context. The default form is 初心者 (shoshinsha). Wiktionary also lists 今道心 (imadōshin) and ニュービー (nyūbī).
Meaning: new (inexperienced) user or participant (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 初心者 | shoshinsha | [ɕo̞ɕĩɰ̃ɕa̠] (narrow) [ɕo̞ɕĩmːo̞no̞] (narrow) |
| 今道心 | imadōshin | |
| ニュービー | nyūbī |
The most natural and versatile way to describe someone who is new to a hobby, skill or task is to use 初心者.
Which one should you use?
While 初心者 is a standard, polite term used in all contexts (from driving schools to software), ニュービー is informal slang. For emphasizing extreme inexperience, the slang term ド初心者 is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
初心者 is a common formal term for newbie meaning beginner or novice. In professional settings for someone who lacks experience, you may use 未経験者. Another formal term for a newcomer or recent participant is 新参者. Conversely, ニュービー is slang used primarily in online gaming and internet subcultures and ド初心者 is a slang term that emphasizes extreme inexperience.
How do you pronounce it?
shoshinsha
Did you know?
- In Japan, you will often see a yellow and green leaf-shaped sticker on cars, which is the 初心者マーク. It warns other drivers that a 初心者 is behind the wheel.
- The term 初心者 is rooted in the concept of 初心 (shoshin), which in Zen Buddhism refers to 'beginner's mind', a state of openness and lack of preconceptions.
- In traditional Japanese arts like tea ceremony or calligraphy, being a 初心者 is not just a phase to pass, but a status that grants the person permission to ask 'stupid' questions without shame.
Examples in context
- 私は永遠のPC初心者です。I am an eternal PC-newbie.This sentence demonstrates how to describe yourself as a PC-newbie using 初心者.Tatoeba #503984 by xtofu80, translation #504623 by blay_paul
- 彼はゲームの初心者です。Kare wa geemu no shoshinsha desu.He is a beginner at games.
- 料理の初心者ですが、頑張ります。Ryouri no shoshinsha desu ga, ganbarimasu.I am a cooking newbie, but I will do my best.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about starting a new game.
- 健太 Kentaこのゲーム、面白そうだけど難しいかな？kono gēmu, omoshirosō dakedo muzukashii kana?This game looks interesting, but I wonder if it's hard?
- 美咲 Misaki大丈夫だよ。初心者でも簡単に遊べるよ。daijōbu dayo. shoshinsha demo kantan ni asoberu yo.It's okay. Even a newbie can play it easily.
- 健太 Kenta本当？じゃあ、一緒にやってみようか。hontō? jā, issho ni yatte miyō ka.Really? Then, shall we try it together?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、健太をサポートしてあげるね。un, Kenta o sapōto shite ageru ne.Yeah, I'll support you, Kenta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “newbie” translations and entries 初心者, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
