まず
Meanings
first of all; firstly; to begin with
Indicates the first step in a sequence or the most important thing to do before others.
First of all, let's finish the homework.
Before cooking, please wash your hands first.
probably; most likely; almost certainly
Expresses a high degree of likelihood or near certainty about a situation.
This plan will most likely succeed.
I think he probably won't come.
more or less; on the whole; reasonably
Indicates that something is acceptable or satisfactory to a reasonable degree, though not perfect.
His Japanese is at a level where he can more or less communicate.
This dish tastes reasonably good.
Used to set a temporary course of action or to move on from a discussion, often implying a provisional decision.
For now, let's see how it goes with this.
We'll talk about the details later; anyway, let's get started.
Usage patterns
- まず〈動詞〉、それから〈動詞〉first do one thing, then do another
First wash your hands, then let's eat.
- まず〈事〉はないだろうit's almost certainly not the case that...
This plan is almost certainly not going to fail.
- まず〈動詞〉てみるto try doing something first, as a provisional step
Let's try it first, and rethink if it doesn't work out.
Expressions
- 甘井先ず竭くthe flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long; the well with sweet water will be the first to run dry
- まず隗より始めよstart with the first step; begin with what is at hand · the one who proposes should act first; lead by example
- 将を射んと欲すれば先ず馬を射よif you want to shoot the general, first shoot his horse; do not shoot straight for the top; he that would the daughter win, must with the mother first begin