Translation guide
How to express the idea of going first, being first, or taking the lead in Japanese, depending on context.
Expressing that someone or something goes first in a line, order, or sequence.
A common way to say 'go first' in terms of physical movement or order.
Please go ahead (first).
He went first.
Refers to the head or front of a line; often used when someone is at the very front.
He walked at the front (first).
Emphasizes being the very first; often used in casual contexts.
I arrived first (the very first).
Expressing that someone takes the lead or initiates an action.
Means 'do it first' or 'go ahead and do it' in a casual sense.
Can I go first (do it first)?
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to take the initiative' or 'make the first move', often in strategic contexts.
Means 'taking the lead' or 'initiative', often used in formal or written contexts.
Expressing who goes first in a game, match, or turn-based activity.
Used in games or sports to indicate the team or player who goes first (offense).
Who goes first?
Deciding who goes first by rock-paper-scissors.
Let's decide who goes first with rock-paper-scissors.
Expressing that someone is ahead of others in a race, progress, or development.
The English phrase 'going first' can be expressed in many ways in Japanese. Avoid directly translating word-for-word; instead, choose the expression that fits the context (order, initiative, game, etc.).
He took the initiative and attacked first.
彼は率先してプロジェクトを始めた。
He took the lead and started the project.
先行企業が市場を支配している。
The first-moving companies dominate the market.