Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "First" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "first", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
まず
まず (mazu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一見
いっけん (ikken)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "first" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between まず and 一見.
In Japanese, まず (まず (mazu)) is typically associated with "first of all, to begin with" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when listing steps or priorities. It indicates the very first action to be taken in a sequence..
On the other hand, 一見 (いっけん (ikken)) maps to "at first glance; seemingly; on the face of it" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used to describe an initial impression that might be different from the reality upon closer inspection. Often followed by a contrasting statement.. A literal translation of "first" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "まず"
家に帰ったら、まず手を洗います。
When I get home, first I wash my hands.
Bilingual Context for "一見"
その問題は一見簡単そうに見えるが、実はとても難しい。
That problem looks easy at first glance, but it's actually very difficult.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "家に帰ったら、 ＿＿＿ 手を洗います。" (Meaning: "When I get home, first I wash my hands.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "まず" fits here because it means "first of all, to begin with" in the context of: "When I get home, first I wash my hands.". "一見" represents "at first glance; seemingly; on the face of it".