1.
firstborn child; first child
The first child born to a couple. A somewhat literary or traditional term.
初子が生まれた。
Our first child was born.
初子の名前を決めるのに時間がかかった。
It took time to decide the name for our firstborn.
初子は両親にとって特別な存在だと言われている。
It is said that the firstborn child is a special existence for parents.
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
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 長男: eldest son — specifically male
- 長女: eldest daughter — specifically female
- 第一子: first child — the modern formal equivalent
- 末っ子: youngest child — the opposite position in birth order