1.
firstborn child; first child
The first child born to a couple. A somewhat literary or traditional term.
Composed of 初 (first, initial) + 子 (child). A classical reading — the more common modern equivalent is 第一子 or 最初の子. Also sometimes written as 初児.
Usage
- Somewhat literary and traditional; found in formal writing, historical texts, and family-related contexts
- In everyday conversation, 第一子 or 一人目の子 is more common
- Can also be read as はつご, though ういご is the primary reading
Common collocations
- 初子が生まれる: a first child is born
- 待望の初子: a long-awaited firstborn
- 初子を授かる: to be blessed with a first child