当初(とうしょ)

とうしょ
noun, adverb
initially, at first, originally
formalwrittentime-general
1. initially, at first, at the beginning
Refers to the early stage or original point in time when something began. Often implies a contrast with what happened later.
当初(とうしょ)の予定(よてい)から変更(へんこう)があった。
There was a change from the original plan.
当初(とうしょ)は反対(はんたい)だったが、今(いま)は賛成(さんせい)している。
I was against it at first, but now I agree.
工事(こうじ)は当初(とうしょ)の見積(みつ)もりよりも大幅(おおはば)に費用(ひよう)がかかった。
The construction cost significantly more than the initial estimate.

Usage

Can function as a noun modifying other nouns (当初(とうしょ)の計画(けいかく) = initial plan) or as an adverb (当初(とうしょ)は = at first). Slightly formal in register. Almost always implies that what was originally the case has since changed.

Common patterns

Related Words

Compare: 初頭(しょとう) (beginning of a period)
general
Added 2026.2.21 20:05 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
12500/12503_tousho