先ず
mazu[ma̠zɨ]
The English phrase "first" (meaning before anything else) can be translated into Japanese as 先ず (mazu). Wiktionary also lists 第一に (daiichi ni) and 最初に (saisho ni).
Meaning: before anything else (adv)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 先ず | mazu | [ma̠zɨ] (narrow) |
| 第一に | daiichi ni | |
| 最初に | saisho ni | |
| 先に | saki ni | [sa̠kʲiɲ̟i] (narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 第一に literally breaks down to 第一 (number one) plus the particle に (to/in).
Which one should you use?
第一に is used to list points in an argument or a formal speech, similar to "firstly" or "first and foremost". 先に is used when one thing happens before another in time, or when someone performs an action ahead of someone else.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
mazu
Did you know?
- The word 先 in 先に can refer to the physical tip of an object, such as a finger or a pencil. This connects the concept of being 'first' in time to being 'foremost' in space.
- When leaving a room or a meal before others, Japanese speakers use お先に to apologize for their departure. It functions as a social lubricant to acknowledge that they are breaking the group harmony by leaving first.
- In a formal business setting, using 先に to mean 'before you' can sound like you are physically moving ahead of someone. To be polite, it is better to use お先に to add a level of respectful honorific.
Examples in context
- お先にどうぞ。You go first.The sentence is useful for using 先に to offer permission or precedence.Tatoeba #226990 by bunbuku, translation #17945 by CK
- 彼が最初に来た。He was the first to come.The sentence is useful for using 最初に to describe the first person in a sequence.Tatoeba #120345 by bunbuku, translation #283664 by CK
- 先に謝っとくね。I'll apologize first, okay?The sentence is useful for using 先に to indicate an action being taken ahead of time.Tatoeba #3688842 by tommy_san, translation #6884516 by tripbeetle
- 私は試験で一番になりました。I became the first in the exam.
- 最初のスピーチは緊張しますね。The first speech is nerve-wracking, isn't it?
- 最初のページから読み始めました。I started reading from the first page.
- 私はチームの先頭の選手です。I am the first player in the team.
- 先頭の車が事故を起こしました。The first car caused an accident.
- 最初の一歩は大切だよ。The first step is important, you know.
- 最初は難しいかもしれないけど、慣れるよ。It may be tough at first, but you'll get used to it.
- 初めてのデートは緊張しますよね。The first date is nerve-wracking, right?
- 81 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are planning their study session.
- 蓮 Ren先ず、この問題を解こう。mazu, kono mondai o tokou.First, let's solve this problem.
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ。どこから始める？ii yo. doko kara hajimeru?Okay. Where should we start?
- 蓮 Ren一番上の問題からだよ。ichiban ue no mondai kara da yo.From the top problem.
- 陽葵 Himari分かった。じゃあ、やってみよう。wakatta. jaa, yatte miyou.Got it. Let's give it a try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “first” translations and entries 先ず, 先に, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
