第一歩(だいいっぽ)

Common patterns

• 第一歩(だいいっぽ)を踏(ふ)み出(だ)す: to take the first step
• 〜への第一歩(だいいっぽ): the first step toward ~
• 第一歩(だいいっぽ)を記(しる)す: to mark/record the first step (literary)

Usage

Almost always figurative: the start of an important undertaking (a career, a recovery, a reform), with a positive, forward-looking tone.

Similar words

• 最初(さいしょ)の一歩(いっぽ): the first step (more casual)
• 出発点(しゅっぱつてん): starting point (more neutral)
• 手始(てはじ)め: a beginning, start (first action in a series)