141
初
First, Beginning
はじ.め (haji-me), はじ.めて (hajimete), はつ (hatsu), うい (ui)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
Japan has many traditions beginning with 初 (first), such as 初日の出 (first sunrise of the year), 初夢 (first dream), and 初詣 (the first shrine visit of the New Year).
Memory Trick
Imagine taking your VERY FIRST step while wearing a brand-new kimono. That exciting beginning helps you remember 初.
Readings
Onyomi: ショ (sho)
Kunyomi: はじ.め (haji-me), はじ.めて (hajimete), はつ (hatsu), うい (ui)
Example Words
最初
さいしょ (saisho)
Beginning, First
初めて
はじめて (hajimete)
For the first time
初日
しょにち (shonichi)
First day
初心者
しょしんしゃ (shoshinsha)
Beginner
Example Sentence
私は 初めて 日本へ 行きました。
わたしは はじめて にほんへ いきました。
watashi wa hajimete Nihon e ikimashita
I went to Japan for the first time.