Translation guide
Expresses the initial phase of a story, event, or process. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether you are narrating a story, describing a first attempt, or referring to the start of a period.
To set the scene at the start of a story, explanation, or historical account.
Common in storytelling and explanations. Literally 'at the beginning'. Often used in formal or written contexts.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
More conversational. Implies 'at first' or 'initially', often contrasting with later developments.
In the beginning, everything was chaotic.
Formal, often used in business or historical contexts to mean 'initially' or 'at the outset'.
In the beginning, the plan was progressing smoothly.
To talk about the initial phase of doing something, often implying later change or improvement.
To refer to the beginning of a specific era, month, year, etc.
初めに is often used as a narrative marker (like 'to begin with'), while 最初は emphasizes a contrast with later stages. 最初は implies 'at first, but later...'.
In the beginning, I will explain the precautions.
In the beginning I was nervous, but gradually I got used to it.
Do not translate 'in the beginning' word-for-word as 始めの中で or similar. Use the time expressions above.
In the beginning, I made nothing but mistakes.