最初

• Reading: さいしょ
• Romaji: saisho
• Kanji breakdown: 最 (sai) — most, utmost; 初 (sho) — beginning, first
• Pronunciation: /saː.ɕo/

Meaning

Beginning; first; outset. The very start of something.

Used as both a noun and adverb. More emphatic than 初め (hajime), stressing the absolute first point. Common expressions include 最初に (saisho ni, first of all) and 最初から (saisho kara, from the beginning). Pairs naturally with 最後 (saigo, last).

Examples

1. 最初に自己紹介をしましょう。 Let's start with self-introductions.
2. 最初はむずかしかったです。 It was difficult at first.
3. 最初から最後まで楽しかったです。 It was fun from start to finish.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, instructions, storytelling

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Chinese roots, combining 最 (most, utmost) and 初 (beginning, first). Together they express the very first or earliest point.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal