初めて
hajimete[ha̠ʑime̞te̞]
In Japanese, "the first time" is expressed as 初めて (hajimete).
The word 初めて is typically used as an adverb to describe the occurrence of an action. It is used to describe an experience or event that happens for the first time in someone's life.
Which one should you use?
While 初めて (hajimete) functions as an adverb meaning "the first time," you should use the form 初めての (hajimete no) when you want to say "the first [noun]" (for example, "the first trip").
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to modify a noun, the form changes to 初めての.
How do you pronounce it?
hajimete
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word 初めて is closely linked to the concept of shoshin or 'beginner's mind', a Zen Buddhist state of openness and lack of preconceptions.
- The common greeting はじめまして (hajimemashite) used when meeting someone for the first time is actually a polite variation of 初めて (hajimete).
- Japanese uses two different kanji for the sound hajime, where 初めて refers to a first-time experience and 始めて refers to starting a process or habit.
Examples in context
- 初めて来たの？Is this the first time you've been here?This sentence uses 初めて to ask if someone is visiting a place for the first time.Tatoeba #10572146 by small_snow, translation #6713354 by CK
- 初めてではない。It's not the first time.This sentence uses 初めて to state that an occurrence is not the first time.Tatoeba #12957340 by small_snow, translation #2439824 by Hybrid
- こんなこと初めてだ。This is the first time.This sentence uses 初めて to express that a specific situation is occurring for the first time.Tatoeba #217471 by small_snow, translation #54780 by Alkrasnov
- 会議に初めて参加しました。I participated in a meeting for the first time.
- 初めての挑戦です。It's my first challenge.
- 初めて会ったときは緊張した。I was nervous when we first met.
- 最初に何から話そうか迷った。I was unsure about what to talk about at first.
- 153 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is visiting a famous sushi restaurant for the first time.
- 陽葵 Himari初めての回転寿司、楽しみだね。Hajimete no kaiten sushi, tanoshimi dane.I'm looking forward to our first time at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
- 健太 Kentaうん、陽葵、たくさん食べようね。Un, Himari, takusan tabeyou ne.Yeah, Himari, let's eat a lot.
- 陽葵 Himari初めてだから、少し緊張する。Hajimete dakara, sukoshi kincho suru.Since it's my first time, I'm a little nervous.
- 健太 Kenta大丈夫だよ、健太が一緒だよ。Daijoubu dayo, Kenta ga issho dayo.It's okay, Kenta is with you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 初めて, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
