初めて

• Reading: はじめて
• Romaji: hajimete
• Kanji breakdown: 初 (sho/hatsu/haji) — first, beginning
• Pronunciation: /ha.dʑi.me.te/

Meaning

For the first time. Marks a first experience or occurrence.

Used to indicate that an action or event is happening for the first time. Typically placed before the verb it modifies (初めて食べた = ate for the first time). Not to be confused with 始めて (hajimete), which is the te-form of 始める (to begin). The kanji 初 specifically means 'first/initial.'

Examples

1. 初めて日本に行きました。 I went to Japan for the first time.
2. お寿司を初めて食べた時、感動しました。 When I tried sushi for the first time, I was blown away.
3. 初めてこの町に来ました。 This is my first time visiting this town.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, experiences, storytelling

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 初め (hajime, beginning) with the te-form ending. The kanji 初 combines 衣 (clothing) and 刀 (knife), referring to the first cut of cloth — the beginning of making garments.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal