初(はつ)

はつ

prefix

first, maiden, inaugural

time-general

1. first, maiden, inaugural

A prefix meaning 'first' or 'for the first time,' attached to nouns to indicate the first occurrence of something.

初(はつ)体験(たいけん)だった。

It was my first experience.

今年(ことし)の初(はつ)雪(ゆき)が降(ふ)った。

The first snow of the year fell.

この映画(えいが)は初(はつ)公開(こうかい)の日(ひ)にチケットが完売(かんばい)した。

Tickets for this movie sold out on its opening day.

Usage

Attaches directly to nouns: 初(はつ)〜. Very productive — can combine with a wide range of nouns. Some combinations are established set words, while others can be formed freely.

Compounds

初(はつ)雪(ゆき): first snow (of the season)
初(はつ)恋(こい): first love
初(はつ)日(ひ)の出(で): first sunrise (of the year)
初(はつ)詣(もうで): first shrine visit (of the year)
初(はつ)出場(しゅつじょう): first appearance/participation
初(はつ)優勝(ゆうしょう): first championship
初(はつ)体験(たいけん): first experience

Similar prefixes

初(しょ)〜 is the on'yomi reading used in more formal/Sino-Japanese compounds: 初期(しょき) (initial period), 初歩(しょほ) (basics).

general

Added 2026.2.8 14:52 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

10500/10632_hatsu