初(しょ)〜

しょ
prefix
first; initial; beginning
1. first; initial
Prefix indicating the first occurrence or beginning stage.
初(しょ)めての海外(かいがい)旅行(りょこう)だ。
This is my first overseas trip.
初(はじ)めて = for the first time
初日(しょにち)の公演(こうえん)は大成功(だいせいこう)だった。
The opening day performance was a great success.
初(しょ) + 日(にち) = first day
初心者(しょしんしゃ)でも簡単(かんたん)にできる。
Even beginners can do it easily.
初(しょ) + 心(しん) + 者(しゃ) = beginner

初(しょ)〜 is a prefix meaning 'first' or 'initial.'

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 初日(しょにち) (first day; opening day)
  • 初回(しょかい) (first time; first round)
  • 初心(しょしん) (original intention; beginner's mind)
  • 初心者(しょしんしゃ) (beginner)
  • 初期(しょき) (early stage; initial period)
  • 初歩(しょほ) (basics; rudiments)
  • 初夏(しょか) (early summer)
  • 初冬(しょとう) (early winter)
  • 初対面(しょたいめん) (first meeting)

OTHER READINGS:

初(はつ)〜 is another reading used in compounds like:

  • 初恋(はつこい) (first love)
  • 初雪(はつゆき) (first snow of the season)
  • 初夢(はつゆめ) (first dream of the new year)

These often relate to seasonal or personal 'firsts.'

general
Added 2026.1.13 16:20 · Revised 2026.1.19 20:37
03500/03955_sho