Translation and Meaning of: 初 - hatsu

The Japanese word 「初」 (hatsu) is an ideogram frequently used to indicate something that is "first" or "initial." In the Japanese language, 「初」 serves to modify nouns, suggesting a sense of novelty or beginning. For example, you may encounter 「初恋」 (hatsukoi), which refers to "first love," or 「初日」 (hatsunichi), referring to "first day." This versatility highlights its prevalent use in various expressions that convey the beginning of experiences or events.

Etymologically, 「初」 is formed by two main components. The left side is the radical 「⺅」, derived from 「人」, which means "person", and the right side is 「刀」, which means "knife" or "sword". This radical is not directly related to the meaning of "first" or "initial", but suggests cutting or marking a starting point in a process, hence the idea of "beginning". By combining these elements, the kanji has acquired the meaning of something that starts or occurs for the first time.

The origin of the word dates back to the ancient use of written Chinese skills, later adopted by Japan. Chinese characters, or kanji as they are known in Japan, play a crucial role in the composition and transmission of abstract concepts concisely. The ideogram 「初」 was adopted with little variation in its original meaning, highlighting the importance that ancient cultures placed on the concepts of time and sequencing, essential for social and cultural organization.

Keep in mind that the expression 「初」 is itself just a part of a larger word construction in Japanese. This particularity highlights the complexity and richness of the Japanese language, which uses combinations of kanji to create new meanings and nuances. The dichotomy of simplicity and depth makes the use of 「初」 in expressions a true art in Japanese written communication.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 最初 (Saisho) - The beginning; the first
• 初め (Hajime) - Beginning; start
• 初めて (Hajimete) - Pela primeira vez
• 初期 (Shoki) - Initial period; initial phase
• 初めに (Hajime ni) - In the beginning; first of all
• 初級 (Shokyuu) - Beginner; basic
• 初夏 (Shoka) - Beginning of summer; first weeks of summer
• 初恋 (Hatsukoi) - First love
• 初心者 (Shoshinsha) - Beginner; novice
• 初秋 (Shoshuu) - Beginning of autumn
• 初日 (Hatsubi) - First day; premiere
• 初詣 (Hatsumoude) - First visit to the sanctuary in the new year
• 初音 (Hatsune) - First sounds; initial music
• 初冬 (Shotou) - Beginning of winter
• 初日の出 (Hatsuhi no de) - First sunrise of the year
• 初雪 (Hatsuyuki) - First snow
• 初夢 (Hatsuyume) - First dream of the year
• 初めまして (Hajimemashite) - Nice to meet you (used when introducing yourself)
• 初出 (Hatsushutsu) - First presentation; premiere
• 初老 (Sho-ro) - Beginning of old age; first phase of old age
• 初節句 (Hatsuzekku) - First seasonal festival of a child
• 初めの一歩 (Hajime no ippo) - First step
• 初めの一冊 (Hajime no issatsu) - First book
• 初めの一言 (Hajime no hitokoto) - First word
• 初めの一日 (Hajime no ichinichi) - First day
• 初めの一歩を踏み出す (Hajime no ippo o fumidasu) - Dar o primeiro passo
• 初めての一歩を踏み出す (Hajimete no ippo o fumidasu) - Take the first step for the first time

初

Romaji: hatsu
Kana: はつ
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: first; new

Meaning in English: first;new

Definition: to be in the first phase. Also, it's my first time.

Example Sentences - (初) hatsu

See below some example sentences:

初めての人目は緊張します。

Hajimete no hitome wa kinchou shimasu

The first time you are seen by someone it can be nervous.

My first person is nervous.

• 初めての (hajimete no) - First time
• 人目 (hitome) - someone's look
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 緊張します (kinchou shimasu) - get nervous

初耳です。

Hatsumimi desu

This is the first time I hear about it.

This is the first ear.

• 初 - means "first" or "initial".
• 耳 - means "ear".
• です - It is a final particle that indicates an affirmative statement or a formal presentation.

初版が出ました。

Shohan ga demashita

The first edition was released.

The first edition was released.

• 初版 - first edition
• が - subject particle
• 出ました - was released

この料理は初めて試しました。

Kono ryōri wa hajimete tameshimashita

I tried this dish for the first time.

I tried this dish for the first time.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 料理 - noun that means "cuisine" or "dish"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 初めて - adverb meaning "for the first time"
• 試しました - The verb in the past that means "I tried" or "I tasted"

こんなに美しい景色は初めて見た。

Konna ni utsukushii keshiki wa hajimete mita

I've never seen such a beautiful landscape before.

I saw such a beautiful landscape for the first time.

• こんなに - adverb that means "so"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• 景色 - noun meaning "landscape"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 初めて - adverb meaning "for the first time"
• 見た - verb in the past that means "saw"

初歩から始めましょう。

Hajime kara hajimemashou

Let's start from the basics.

Let's start from the beginning.

• 初歩 (shoho) - means "basic" or "fundamental"
• から (kara) - It means "from."
• 始めましょう (hajimemashou) - means "let's get started"

最初の一歩は大切です。

Saisho no ippo wa taisetsu desu

The first step is important.

• 最初の一歩 - First step
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present