Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "First" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "first", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
初めに
はじめに (hajime ni)
N3 / 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 初めに and 一見.
In Japanese, 初めに (はじめに (hajime ni)) is typically associated with "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..
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 "初めに"
初めに、自己紹介をしてください。
First, please introduce yourself.
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: " ＿＿＿ 、自己紹介をしてください。" (Meaning: "First, please introduce yourself.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "初めに" fits here because it means "first, to begin with, at the start" in the context of: "First, please introduce yourself.". "一見" represents "at first glance; seemingly; on the face of it".