初(しょ)〜

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

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)

PRONUNCIATION (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.'