first of all; to begin with; before anything else
Emphatic version of まず, used to stress that something should be done before anything else. Often used in instructions, advice, or when setting priorities.
See also: まず
Let's wash our hands first before eating.
First of all, let me introduce myself.
料理を始める前に、まずは手を洗いましょう。
Before starting to cook, let's wash our hands first.
probably; most likely; almost certainly
Expresses a high degree of likelihood or near certainty. Often used when the speaker is confident about an outcome or assumption.
この調子なら、まずは大丈夫だろう。
At this rate, it'll probably be fine.
彼ならまずは合格すると思う。
I think he'll almost certainly pass.
more or less satisfactory; on the whole; reasonably
Indicates that something is acceptable or adequate, though not perfect. Used to give a moderate positive assessment.
結果はまずまずだったが、まずは満足だ。
The results were so-so, but on the whole I'm satisfied.
このホテルはまずは快適だ。
This hotel is reasonably comfortable.
Used to set a temporary plan or to move on from a topic, similar to 'for the time being' or 'in any case'. Often appears when the speaker wants to settle on a provisional course of action.
まずはこれで様子を見よう。
Let's see how it goes for now.
詳しいことは後で話すとして、まずは始めよう。
We'll talk about the details later; anyway, let's get started.
まずは以上、よろしくお願いいたします。
That's all for now; thank you in advance for your help.
With this plan, it will probably succeed.
This time's result can be said to be, on the whole, satisfactory.
とりあえず suggests a hasty, temporary measure taken without much thought, whereas まずは implies a more deliberate provisional choice.
一応 conveys that something is adequate for now in a tentative sense, close to まずは's meaning of 'reasonably satisfactory' in sense 3.
まずは introduces the first of several points to be covered, while 取り急ぎ signals apology for or acknowledgment of the haste behind the message itself.
Formed from the adverb まず (first) and the particle は, which adds emphasis or contrast. The combination has been lexicalized as a fixed adverbial expression.