Translation guide
The English word 'initial' can describe something that comes first, the first letter of a name, or the act of signing with initials. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each use.
initial impression
initials (of a name)
initial stage
Describing something that happens at the beginning or is the first of its kind.
The most common and versatile way to say 'initial' as in 'first'. Used for time, order, or sequence.
The initial impression is very important.
The initial plan failed.
Often used for 'initial stage', 'early period', or technical contexts like software versions.
Similar to 最初の but slightly more casual and often used for the very beginning of an action or event.
Referring to the first character of a person's name, often used in signatures or monograms.
The direct loanword from English, widely understood. Can refer to one letter or multiple initials.
His initials are T.K.
Literally 'head character'. More formal or literary than . Often used for acronyms or the first letter of a word.
The act of writing one's initials, often to approve or acknowledge a document.
The most straightforward way to say 'to initial' a document. Use サインする for a full signature.
Please initial here.
More formal, explicitly stating 'sign with initials'. Used in official contexts.
最初の is the default for 'first' in a sequence. 初期の is more specialized, meaning 'early period' or 'initial phase', and is common in technical, medical, or historical contexts.
the first page
early computers
The initial symptoms resemble a cold.
The initial version of this software has many bugs.
The initial step is the hardest.
Please put my initials on this bag.
We took the initials of our names and made it the team name.
Please initial each page.