Translation guide
The English phrase "first step" can refer to a literal initial physical step or, more commonly, the first action in a process or the beginning of an endeavor. Japanese has several natural expressions depending on the nuance.
To express the first action taken to start something, often with a sense of initiative or beginning a journey.
Literally 'first step'. Used for the first step in a process, project, or personal journey. Very common and natural.
これが成功への第一歩です。
This is the first step toward success.
新しい事業の第一歩を踏み出した。
We took the first step in our new venture.
Literally 'the first one step'. Emphasizes the very beginning of an action or journey. Slightly more literal than 第一歩.
千里の道も最初の一歩から始まる。
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Similar to 最初の一歩, meaning 'the first step'. Often used in motivational contexts.
何かを変えるには、初めの一歩が大切だ。
To change something, the first step is important.
Means 'first move' or 'opening move', often used in games like shogi or go, but can be used metaphorically for an initial action. Somewhat formal or technical.
交渉の初手を誤った。
We made a mistake in the first step of the negotiation.
To refer to the actual first step taken with one's foot, e.g., a baby's first step or the first step onto a surface.
Used for a literal first step, such as a baby's first step or the first step onto a stage.
赤ちゃんが最初の一歩を踏み出した。
The baby took its first step.
Can also be used for a literal first step, though it often carries a metaphorical weight.
月面での第一歩
the first step on the moon
To describe the initial stage in a sequence of actions, like a recipe or instructions.
Uses the loanword ステップ. Very clear for procedural steps, especially in manuals or how-tos.
最初のステップは、材料を集めることです。
The first step is to gather the ingredients.
Means 'first stage' or 'phase one'. More formal, suitable for projects or systematic processes.
計画の第一段階が完了した。
The first step of the plan has been completed.
第一歩 (だいいっぽ) is more common for metaphorical first steps (e.g., toward a goal), while 最初の一歩 (さいしょのいっぽ) can be used for both literal and metaphorical steps. 第一歩 sounds slightly more formal or momentous.
The verb 踏み出す means 'to step forward' and is often paired with 第一歩 or 一歩 to emphasize taking initiative. Example: 新しい人生に第一歩を踏み出す (take the first step into a new life).
最初の一歩を踏み出すのが一番難しい。
Taking the first step is always the hardest.
この合意は平和への第一歩です。
This agreement is a first step toward peace.