Translation guide
Describes direct personal experience or information obtained directly from the original source, not through others.
To say that you experienced or saw something yourself, not through someone else.
Adverb meaning 'directly'. Used to emphasize that you did or experienced something personally, without an intermediary.
To say that information comes directly from the person involved or the original source, not secondhand.
直接 is the most versatile way to express 'firsthand'. It can be used with many verbs like 見る (to see), 聞く (to hear), 体験する (to experience), etc. Place it before the verb.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'firsthand' as an adjective (e.g., 'firsthand experience'). Instead, use adverbial phrases like 直接 or 実際に, or rephrase the sentence.
直接見ました。
I saw it firsthand.
I heard the story firsthand.
Literally 'with my own eyes'. Emphasizes visual firsthand experience.
I want to see it firsthand.
Adverb meaning 'actually' or 'in reality'. Used to stress that something was done in practice, not just in theory.
You won't know until you experience it firsthand.
Literally 'with one's body'. A more emphatic, often serious way to say 'firsthand', implying personal and sometimes difficult experience.
I experienced the horrors of war firsthand.
Same adverb as above, but used with verbs like 'hear' or 'get information'.
I heard it firsthand from the person themselves.
Literally 'raw voice'. Refers to unfiltered, direct opinions or accounts from the source.
I was able to hear firsthand accounts from the disaster victims.
Technical term for 'primary source' or 'firsthand information'. Used in academic or journalistic contexts.
This article is based on firsthand information.