初任給(しょにんきゅう)

初任給(しょにんきゅう) combines 初任(しょにん) (first appointment) + 給(きゅう) (salary). Refers both to the starting salary level and to the first paycheck itself.

Cultural note

In Japan, it is a common tradition to buy a gift for one's parents with the first paycheck as a gesture of gratitude. This is a widely recognized milestone for new graduates.

Common collocations

• 初任給(しょにんきゅう)で買(か)う: to buy with one's first paycheck
• 初任給(しょにんきゅう)の平均(へいきん): average starting salary
• 初任給(しょにんきゅう)が上(あ)がる: starting salaries rise
• 大卒(だいそつ)初任給(しょにんきゅう): starting salary for university graduates

Related words

• 給料(きゅうりょう): salary, pay (general)
• 年収(ねんしゅう): annual income
• 手取(てど)り: take-home pay