初めに Beginning

Meaning

Primary

Beginning

Alternatives

In The Beginning, First Of All, To Begin With

Word Type

expression

Explanation

This is a time based word (because of the に). What is the first point of time when you are beginning something? That is the beginning.

Reading

はじめに

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

• 〜初めに

  まず初めに

  to begin with, first of all

  一番初めに

  right at the beginning

  では初めに

  and so to begin

• 初めに〜

  初めに言う

  to say in the beginning

  初めにする

  to do in the beginning

  初めにあいさつをする

  to greet at the beginning

Context Sentences

花さんとは、4月の初めに出会いました。

I met Hana-san at the beginning of April.

うちは毎年、年の初めに家族みんなで朝日を見に行きます。

Our family goes to see the sunrise together at the beginning of each year.

初めに口を開いたのはカオルだった。

It was Kaoru who first opened her mouth.

Kanji Composition

1. 初

   しょ First