Translation guide
Refers to the first part of a multi-volume work, such as a book, manga, or series. Japanese uses specific counters and words depending on the medium.
The learner wants to refer to the first book in a series of volumes.
Used for the first volume of a two-volume set, or the first part of a multi-volume work when it's divided into 上 (first) and 下 (second). Common for novels and manga.
この小説の上巻を読み終えた。
I finished reading the first volume of this novel.
Literally 'volume 1'. Used for series with numbered volumes. Very common for manga, light novels, and encyclopedias.
この漫画の第1巻は来月発売です。
The first volume of this manga goes on sale next month.
Can mean 'one volume' or 'first volume' depending on context. Often used in titles or when counting volumes.
全三巻のうちの一巻目です。
It's the first volume of a three-volume set.
Literally 'first volume', but less common. May appear in formal or literary contexts.
この叢書の初巻は絶版です。
The first volume of this series is out of print.
The learner wants to refer to the first issue or volume of a magazine, journal, or academic publication.
The inaugural issue of a magazine or periodical. Emphasizes the first publication ever.
この雑誌の創刊号は貴重です。
The first issue of this magazine is valuable.
Used for academic journals or serials where volumes are numbered. Often followed by 第1号 (issue 1).
この学術誌の第1巻第1号を探しています。
I'm looking for volume 1, issue 1 of this academic journal.
上巻 is used when a work is divided into 上 (first) and 下 (second), or 上中下 (three parts). 第1巻 is used for series with numbered volumes (1, 2, 3...). If a series has more than three volumes, 第1巻 is more natural than 上巻.
この小説は上下巻です。上巻から読んでください。
This novel is in two volumes. Please start with the first volume.
この漫画は全10巻です。まず第1巻を買いました。
This manga is 10 volumes in total. I bought the first volume first.
「最初の巻」(saisho no kan) is a literal translation of 'first volume' but sounds unnatural. Use the appropriate counter word or prefix as shown above.