冒頭

• Reading: ぼうとう
• Romaji: boutou
• Kanji breakdown: 冒 (bou) — risk, defy, begin; 頭 (tou/atama) — head, top
• Pronunciation: /boː.toː/

Meaning

Beginning; opening; start; outset. The very first part of a speech, text, or event.

A noun referring to the very beginning of something, typically a written work, speech, or presentation. More literary and precise than 最初 (saisho, first/beginning). Common expressions: 冒頭で述べる (boutou de noberu, to state at the outset), 冒頭シーン (boutou shiin, opening scene). Often used in academic, journalistic, and formal contexts.

Examples

1. スピーチの冒頭で自己紹介をした。 I introduced myself at the beginning of the speech.
2. 小説の冒頭が印象的で読み続けた。 The opening of the novel was so striking that I kept reading.
3. 冒頭に述べたように結果は良好でした。 As I stated at the outset, the results were favorable.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, speeches, presentations

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 冒 (bou, risk/defy/begin) and 頭 (tou, head/top). Literally 'the head of the beginning', referring to the very first part of something.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated