序章

• Reading: じょしょう
• Romaji: joshou
• Kanji breakdown: 序 (jo) — preface, order, beginning; 章 (shou) — chapter, section
• Pronunciation: /dʑo.ɕoː/

Meaning

Preface; foreword; introductory chapter of a book or work.

A noun referring to the opening section of a book, essay, or larger work. Unlike 前書き (maegaki), which is a casual preface, 序章 implies a structured introductory chapter that sets the stage for the main content. Also used figuratively to describe the beginning phase of an event or era.

Examples

1. この小説の序章を読んだだけで引き込まれた。 Just reading the opening chapter of this novel had me hooked.
2. 彼の挑戦はまだ序章に過ぎない。 His challenge is still only in its opening stages.
3. 論文の序章で研究の背景を述べた。 In the introductory chapter of my thesis, I outlined the research background.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, academic writing, figurative speech

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 序 (jo, preface/order) + 章 (shou, chapter/section). Borrowed from classical Chinese literary structure where 序 introduced a work.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated