初 恋(はつこい)

はつこい

noun

first love

1. first love; one's first romantic feelings

The first experience of romantic love, typically during childhood or adolescence. Carries a strong sense of nostalgia and innocence.

初恋(はつこい)は小学校(しょうがっこう)の時(とき)だった。

My first love was in elementary school.

初恋(はつこい)の相手(あいて)は同(おな)じクラスの女(おんな)の子(こ)だった。

My first love was a girl in the same class.

大人(おとな)になっても初恋(はつこい)の思(おも)い出(で)は忘(わす)れられない。

Even as an adult, I can't forget the memories of my first love.

Usage

A universally understood and emotionally resonant concept in Japanese culture. Frequently appears in song lyrics, novels, and films. The word always implies a sweet, nostalgic feeling.

Common collocations

初恋(はつこい)の人(ひと) (one's first love — the person)
初恋(はつこい)の相手(あいて) (the object of one's first love)
初恋(はつこい)の思(おも)い出(で) (memories of first love)
初恋(はつこい)が実(みの)る (first love bears fruit — it works out)

Related Words

Related: 恋(こい) (romantic love)

Compare: 純愛(じゅんあい) (pure love)

general

Added 2026.3.18 10:59 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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