1.
first ten days of a month; early part of a month
The first third of a month, roughly days 1-10. Part of a three-way division of the month into 初旬 (early), 中旬 (mid), and 下旬 (late). Composed of 初 (beginning) + 旬 (ten-day period).
会議は四月初旬に行われる。
The meeting will be held in early April.
梅雨は六月初旬から始まることが多い。
The rainy season often begins in early June.
報告書の締め切りは来月初旬の予定です。
The report deadline is scheduled for early next month.
USAGE:
初旬 is used in both formal and everyday contexts when specifying an approximate time within a month. It forms a set with 中旬 (mid-month, roughly days 11-20) and 下旬 (late month, roughly days 21-end).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ～月初旬 (early [month])
- 初旬に (in the early part of the month)
- 初旬から (from the early part of the month)
SIMILAR WORDS:
上旬 is a synonym with the same meaning. 初旬 and 上旬 are interchangeable, though 上旬 is slightly more common.