初歩(しょほ)

初歩(しょほ) refers to the basics or elementary stage of learning something.

Common collocations:

• 初歩(しょほ)から学(まな)ぶ (to learn from the basics)
• 初歩的(しょほてき) (basic, elementary)
• 初歩的(しょほてき)なミス (basic mistake)
• 初歩的(しょほてき)な質問(しつもん) (basic question)

Similar words:

• 基礎(きそ) (foundation - emphasizes building blocks)
• 入門(にゅうもん) (introduction - beginning of study)
• 基本(きほん) (fundamentals - core essentials)

Usage note: 初歩(しょほ) emphasizes the very beginning or first steps, while 基礎(きそ) emphasizes the foundational knowledge needed to build upon.