初版

• Reading: しょはん
• Romaji: shohan
• Kanji breakdown: 初 (sho) — first, beginning; 版 (han) — edition, printing, plate
• Pronunciation: /ɕo.haɴ/

Meaning

First edition; the original published version of a book or work.

A noun referring to the first printing or edition of a publication. Important in publishing and book collecting, where 初版 copies can be highly valuable. Often contrasted with 改訂版 (revised edition) or 第二版 (second edition). Also used figuratively for the initial version of software or products.

Examples

1. この本の初版は1980年に出版された。 The first edition of this book was published in 1980.
2. 初版の誤字が改訂版で修正されている。 Typos from the first edition were corrected in the revised edition.
3. 有名作家の初版本はコレクターに人気がある。 First editions by famous authors are popular among collectors.

Usage Guide

Context: publishing, books, collecting

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 初 (sho, first/beginning) + 版 (han, edition/printing plate). Reflects the traditional woodblock printing culture where 版 referred to the carved printing block itself.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated