expression
at first; in the beginning; originally
Used to describe an initial state or situation that later changes or contrasts with the present. Often followed by が or けど.
初めは難しかったが、今は慣れた。
It was difficult at first, but I've gotten used to it now.
初めは彼のことが好きじゃなかった。
I didn't like him at first.
最初は also means 'at first', but is slightly more formal and often used in written language or structured narratives.
始めに means 'first of all' or 'to begin with', used when listing steps or actions, not for contrasting initial states.
From 初め (beginning) + topic particle は. The kanji 初め emphasizes the first time or initial stage, while 始め emphasizes the start of an action.