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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
At the beginning of the book, there is a table of contents.
Specifically for the opening lines of a written work or speech. Formal.
Means 'at the head' or 'at the front', used for lines, queues, or the leading position. Not for temporal beginnings.
Please stand at the beginning of the line.
Emphasizing the absolute beginning, often with a sense of 'right from the start'.
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.
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.
At the beginning of the novel, there is a striking sentence.
He raised his hand at the very beginning.