初めて For The First Time

Meaning

Primary

For The First Time

Alternative

First Time

Word Type

adverb, の adjective

Explanation

You know that 初 means "first" This word means for the first time. Think of めて as "meet." Then think "when we met for the first time ____ happened."

Reading

はじめて

Explanation

This word uses the kun'yomi, which you didn't learn with the kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you out. What are you beginning? You are beginning Haj (はじ). (Haj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and is a pilgrimage to Mecca during the month of Dhu al-Hijja).

Context

Common Word Combinations

• 〜初めて

  全く初めて

  absolutely the first time

  ほぼ初めて

  practically the first time

  おそらく初めて

  probably the first time

• 初めて〜

  初めて見る

  to see for the first time

  初めて聞く

  to hear for the first time

  初めて知る

  to learn for the first time

Context Sentences

初めてオバマ大とうりょうと会ったしゅんかんから意気投合した。

Since the first time we met, President Obama and I have gotten along very well.

初めての銀行業むに四苦八苦しています。

This is my first time dealing with banking and I'm really struggling.

「もしかして、日本はこれが初めて？」「はい。そうなんです。」「そうなんだ。日本はどう？」「かなり気に入ってるわ。」

"Is it possible this is your first time in Japan?" "Yes, it is." "Oh really? How do you like it?” "I really like it!"

Kanji Composition

1. 初

   しょ First