Translation guide
How to express the first time something or someone appears, debuts, or is introduced in Japanese.
The first time someone or something is introduced to the public, such as a performer's debut, a product launch, or a first public showing.
Literally 'first appearance'. Used for the first time someone or something appears in a particular context, such as a TV show, event, or publication.
彼はその番組に初登場した。
He made his first appearance on that show.
Loanword from English 'debut'. Commonly used for a person's first professional appearance, such as a singer, actor, or athlete.
彼女は歌手としてデビューした。
She debuted as a singer.
First performance or appearance in a show, play, or broadcast. More specific to performing arts.
彼の舞台初出演は大成功だった。
His first stage appearance was a great success.
A slightly formal or literary expression meaning 'first appearance' or 'unveiling', often used for new products, animals at a zoo, or a person's first public appearance.
新しいパンダが初お目見えした。
The new panda made its first public appearance.
The first time a character or element is introduced in a narrative, such as a book, movie, or game.
Same as above, but used in the context of stories. Very common for character introductions.
このキャラクターの初登場は第3話です。
This character's first appearance is in episode 3.
Verb phrase meaning 'to appear for the first time'. More descriptive than the noun form.
彼が初めて登場するシーンは印象的だ。
The scene where he first appears is impressive.
The first time someone goes somewhere or is seen in a particular location or situation.
Literally 'to show one's figure for the first time'. Natural way to say someone appeared somewhere for the first time.
彼が町に初めて姿を見せたのは去年だ。
He first appeared in town last year.
Means 'to appear for the first time'. Can be used for people, objects, or phenomena.
その鳥は春に初めて現れる。
That bird first appears in spring.
When something new emerges or is introduced, such as a trend, technology, or concept.
First appearance or first occurrence, often used for words, ideas, or documented instances. Common in academic or technical contexts.
この言葉の初出は18世紀の文献だ。
The first appearance of this word is in an 18th-century document.
Can also be used for non-human things like products or features.
この機能は最新モデルで初めて登場した。
This feature first appeared in the latest model.
初登場 is a general term for any first appearance, while デビュー specifically refers to a professional debut or the start of a career. Use デビュー for artists, athletes, etc., and 初登場 for characters, guests on shows, or products.
彼の初登場は3年前だが、デビューは去年だ。
His first appearance was three years ago, but his debut was last year.
Avoid directly translating 'first appearance' as 第一の出現 or similar. It sounds unnatural. Use the expressions above depending on context.