1.
first battle; first campaign; debut; first time doing something challenging
Originally a military term for a warrior's first battle. Now commonly used figuratively for someone's first significant challenge, competition, or professional debut.
初陣を飾る。
To make a successful debut.
新人監督が初陣で勝利をおさめた。
The rookie coach won his first game.
選挙の初陣は落選に終わったが、貴重な経験になった。
His first election campaign ended in defeat, but it was a valuable experience.
Originally referred to a samurai's first battle, marking a rite of passage into adulthood. In modern usage, it is applied figuratively to any significant first challenge — a coach's first game, a politician's first election, an athlete's first competition, etc.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 初陣を飾る: to have a successful debut
- 初陣を果たす: to complete one's first battle/debut
- 初陣で勝利: to win on one's debut
- 選挙の初陣: first election campaign
ETYMOLOGY:
初 is an archaic reading meaning 'first' (also seen in 初々しい). 陣 means 'battle formation' or 'camp.' The combination literally means 'first battle.'
SIMILAR WORDS:
- デビュー: debut — loanword, used broadly for first public appearances
- 初戦: first match/game — specifically for sports matches
- 初舞台: first stage performance — specifically for performing arts