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
初めに
はじめに (hajime ni)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "first" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between まず and 初めに.
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, 初めに (はじめに (hajime ni)) maps to "first, to begin with, at the start" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to indicate the very first thing that happens or should be done, often at the beginning of a speech, task, or explanation.. 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 "初めに"
初めに、自己紹介をしてください。
First, please introduce yourself.
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.". "初めに" represents "first, to begin with, at the start".