synonym Comparative
首尾
VS
手始め
Differences Between "首尾" and "手始め"
Option A
首尾
Meaning
beginning and end, outcome, result (often with good/bad)
Reading
しゅび (shubi)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼はその仕事を首尾よくやり遂げた。
He successfully completed the task.
Option B
手始め
Meaning
start, beginning, first step
Reading
てはじめ (tehajime)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
まずは手始めに資料を集めることから始めよう。
First, let's start by gathering materials.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(beginning and end, outcome, result (often with good/bad))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 首尾: Often used in the adverbial form 「首尾よく」 (shubi yoku), meaning 'successfully' or 'without a hitch'. Also appears in 「首尾一貫」 (shubi ikkan), meaning 'consistent from beginning to end'. (しばしば「首尾よく」（滞りなく成功して）や「首尾一貫」（最初から最後まで矛盾なく）といった形で使われる。)
- 手始め: Refers to the initial action or first step in a series of tasks or an endeavor. Often used with 「手始めに」 (to begin with).
- 首尾: Often used in the adverbial form 「首尾よく」 (shubi yoku), meaning 'successfully' or 'without a hitch'. Also appears in 「首尾一貫」 (shubi ikkan), meaning 'consistent from beginning to end'. (しばしば「首尾よく」（滞りなく成功して）や「首尾一貫」（最初から最後まで矛盾なく）といった形で使われる。)
- 手始め: Refers to the initial action or first step in a series of tasks or an endeavor. Often used with 「手始めに」 (to begin with).
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