初 子(ういご)

ういご

noun

firstborn child; first child

formalfamily

1. firstborn child; first child

The first child born to a couple. A somewhat literary or traditional term.

初子(ういご)が生(う)まれた。

Our first child was born.

初子(ういご)の名前(なまえ)を決(き)めるのに時間(じかん)がかかった。

It took time to decide the name for our firstborn.

初子(ういご)は両親(りょうしん)にとって特別(とくべつ)な存在(そんざい)だと言(い)われている。

It is said that the firstborn child is a special existence for parents.

Composed of 初(うい) (first, initial) + 子(ご) (child). A classical reading — the more common modern equivalent is 第一子(だいいっし) or 最初(さいしょ)の子(こ). Also sometimes written as 初(うい)児(ご).

Usage

Somewhat literary and traditional; found in formal writing, historical texts, and family-related contexts
In everyday conversation, 第一子(だいいっし) or 一人目(ひとりめ)の子(こ) is more common
Can also be read as はつご, though ういご is the primary reading

Common collocations

初子(ういご)が生(う)まれる: a first child is born
待望(たいぼう)の初子(ういご): a long-awaited firstborn
初子(ういご)を授(さず)かる: to be blessed with a first child

Similar words

長男(ちょうなん): eldest son — specifically male
長女(ちょうじょ): eldest daughter — specifically female
第一子(だいいっし): first child — the modern formal equivalent
末っ子(すえっこ): youngest child — the opposite position in birth order

Related Words

Compare: 長男(ちょうなん) (eldest son)

Compare: 長女(ちょうじょ) (eldest daughter)

Compare: 末(すえ)っ子(こ) (youngest child)

Compare: 第一子(だいいっし) (first child)

general

Added 2026.4.23 23:48 · Revised 2026.10.20 22:07

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