初旬(しょじゅん)

しょじゅん
noun
first ten days of a month; early part of a month
time-period
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(かいぎ)は四月(しがつ)初旬(しょじゅん)に行(おこな)われる。
The meeting will be held in early April.
梅雨(つゆ)は六月(ろくがつ)初旬(しょじゅん)から始(はじ)まることが多(おお)い。
The rainy season often begins in early June.
報告書(ほうこくしょ)の締(し)め切(き)りは来月(らいげつ)初旬(しょじゅん)の予定(よてい)です。
The report deadline is scheduled for early next month.

Usage

初旬(しょじゅん) is used in both formal and everyday contexts when specifying an approximate time within a month. It forms a set with 中旬(ちゅうじゅん) (mid-month, roughly days 11-20) and 下旬(げじゅん) (late month, roughly days 21-end).

Common collocations

  • ～月(がつ)初旬(しょじゅん) (early [month])
  • 初旬(しょじゅん)に (in the early part of the month)
  • 初旬(しょじゅん)から (from the early part of the month)

Similar words

上旬(じょうじゅん) is a synonym with the same meaning. 初旬(しょじゅん) and 上旬(じょうじゅん) are interchangeable, though 上旬(じょうじゅん) is slightly more common.

Related Words

Related: 中旬(ちゅうじゅん) (mid-month)
Related: 下旬(げじゅん) (late month)
Related: 上旬(じょうじゅん) (early month)
general
Added 2026.3.8 18:10 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
15500/15747_shojun