序じょ

noun

order; sequence

Refers to the arrangement or sequence of things. Often used in compound words like 順序 (order) or 秩序 (order, system).

• 物もの事ごとには序じょがある。

  There is an order to things.

noun

beginning; start

Indicates the beginning or initial stage of something. Common in phrases like 序の口 (just the beginning) or 序盤 (opening stage).

• これはまだ序じょの口くちだ。

  This is still just the beginning.

noun

foreword; preface; introduction

Specifically refers to the introductory section of a book or written work. Often used in the compound 序文 (preface).

See also: 序文

• この本ほんの序じょを読よんで感かん動どうした。

  I was moved after reading the preface of this book.

noun

opening of a song (in gagaku or noh)

A technical term in traditional Japanese music and theater, referring to the introductory section of a piece. Part of the 序破急 (jo-ha-kyū) structure.

See also: 序破急

• 能のう楽がくでは、序じょ破は急きゅうの序じょがゆったりとした導どう入にゅう部ぶにあたる。

  In Noh theater, the jo of jo-ha-kyū corresponds to a slow, introductory section.