first time, beginning
初 centers on the start of something: the first time an event happens, or the beginning of a process.
初 combines 衤 (clothing) and 刀 (knife). The traditional explanation is that cutting cloth is the first step in making a garment, symbolizing a beginning.
Picture the first cut of a knife into fresh cloth: that initial slice marks the beginning of making a new garment. 初 is that first time.
For ショ, imagine the first cut of the knife making a soft 'sho' sound as it slices the cloth: sho -> ショ, the beginning of the sewing project.
beginning; outset; first; onset
for the first time
first; new
early days; early years; early stages; initial stages; beginning
beginner
first time; first innings; initial attempt
beginning; start; outset
first generation; founder
first day; opening day
nice to meet you; I'm glad to make your acquaintance; how do you do?
first love; puppy love
first meeting; first interview with
first match (in a series)
beginning (of a century, etc.)
elementary level; beginner level
first appearance
early summer
first performance; premiere
basics; rudiments; elements; ABCs of ...
first shrine visit of the New Year
first edition
beginning of the year
one's original intention; one's initial enthusiasm
first 10 days of the month
past middle age; nearing old age; near-elderly
one's first campaign; one's first battle
first snow (of the season); first snowfall
pitcher's first pitch (to batter, or in the game)
New Year's Tournament (held in Tokyo in January)
first dream of the New year (believed to foretell one's luck)
first year; early years (of a reign or era)
first calligraphy of the year
first; firstly; first of all; to begin with; in the beginning; at the beginning
to begin to
initial salary; starting salary; entry-level salary
first business conducted by retailers in the New Year
beginner-friendly; (intended) for beginners; aimed at beginners
first challenge; first try
initial costs; up-front costs; front-end costs; start-up costs
debut; initial stage appearance
first (of its kind) in Japan
beginning of the month