初(しょ)〜

しょ

prefix

first; initial; beginning

See also: 諸(しょ)〜 (various; many)

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.'

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 2026.9.2 13:01

03500/03955_sho