Translation guide
How to express 'at the beginning' in Japanese, covering temporal and spatial beginnings, with a focus on natural phrasing and common pitfalls.
Referring to the start of a time period, event, or narrative.
Used to mean 'at the beginning' or 'first of all', often when introducing the first step or initial part of something. Common in speeches and instructions.
初めに、自己紹介をします。
At the beginning, I will introduce myself.
Means 'at first' or 'in the beginning'. Emphasizes the very first thing in a sequence. Slightly more casual than 初めに.
最初に、ルールを説明します。
At the beginning, I'll explain the rules.
Used for the opening of a speech, meeting, or written work. More formal and specific to structured events.
会議の冒頭で、社長が挨拶した。
At the beginning of the meeting, the president gave a greeting.
Means 'at the beginning' or 'initially', often implying a contrast with later developments. Used in formal or written contexts.
当初は計画通りに進んでいた。
At the beginning, things were going according to plan.
Refers to the early days or initial period of something, often with a nostalgic or reflective tone.
始めの頃は、毎日が新鮮だった。
At the beginning, every day felt fresh.
Referring to the physical start of something, like a text or path.
Also used spatially to mean 'at the beginning' of a text or sequence. Works for both temporal and spatial contexts.
本の最初に目次があります。
At the beginning of the book, there is a table of contents.
Specifically for the opening lines of a written work or speech. Formal.
小説の冒頭に印象的な一文がある。
At the beginning of the novel, there is a striking sentence.
Means 'at the head' or 'at the front', used for lines, queues, or the leading position. Not for temporal beginnings.
行列の先頭に立ってください。
Please stand at the beginning of the line.
Emphasizing the absolute beginning, often with a sense of 'right from the start'.
Adds emphasis: 'at the very beginning'. Common in casual speech.
一番最初に来たのは彼だった。
He was the one who came at the very beginning.
Means 'first of all' or 'before anyone else', often implying eagerness. Used for actions taken immediately at the start.
彼は真っ先に手を挙げた。
He raised his hand at the very beginning.
Directly translating 'at the beginning' as 「始めで」 or 「始めにで」 is unnatural. Use set phrases like 初めに or 最初に.
初めに、注意事項を読みます。
At the beginning, I will read the precautions.
Both mean 'at the beginning', but 初めに is slightly more formal and often used in structured contexts like presentations. 最初に is more common in everyday speech and emphasizes the first in a sequence.