Translation guide
Expresses the idea of the initial action, event, or item in a sequence, or the most important priority. Japanese uses various expressions depending on context.
To say that something happens before anything else, or to describe the initial step.
Common adverb meaning 'first', 'at first', 'to begin with'. Used for the first action in a sequence.
First, please wash your hands.
What do you do first?
Very common adverb meaning 'first of all', 'to start with'. Often used in instructions or when listing steps.
First, prepare the ingredients.
Emphasizes 'the very first thing', stronger than 最初に.
Do you remember the very first thing I said?
To refer to the first thing among several items, such as in a ranking or enumeration.
To express that something is the top priority or the first thing to consider.
To describe doing something immediately after waking up.
The English phrase 'first thing' is often not translated literally. Instead, use adverbs like 最初に or まず, or specific phrases like 朝一番に depending on context.
一つ目は何ですか。
What is the first thing?