初めて
Overview
The Japanese word '始めて' (hajimete) is an adverb derived from the verb '始める' (hajimeru), meaning 'to begin' or 'to start'. As an adverb, '始めて' translates to 'for the first time' or 'for the very first time'. It emphasizes the novelty or inaugural nature of an action or experience. When used in a sentence, it typically precedes the verb it modifies.
Here's a breakdown of its nuances and usage:
- Expressing Novelty: The primary function of '始めて' is to convey that an action is being performed or an experience is being had for the very first time. For example, '日本に始めて行きました' (Nihon ni hajimete ikimashita) means 'I went to Japan for the first time.'
- Emphasis: The word itself carries a sense of emphasis on the 'firstness'. While you could technically say '最初に' (saisho ni - at first/initially), '始めて' specifically highlights the unique, unprecedented nature of the event for the speaker or subject.
- Contextual Usage: '始めて' can be used in various contexts, from simple everyday occurrences to more significant life events. For instance:
- 'これは始めて食べました。' (Kore wa hajimete tabemashita.) - 'I ate this for the first time.'
- '始めて東京タワーに登りました。' (Hajimete Tōkyō Tawā ni noborimashita.) - 'I climbed Tokyo Tower for the first time.'
- '始めての経験でした。' (Hajimete no keiken deshita.) - 'It was a first experience.' (Here, '始めての' acts as a pre-noun adjectival phrase meaning 'first-time' or 'initial'.)
- Distinction from '最初' (saisho): While both can relate to beginnings, '最初' often refers to the initial part of a sequence or a general 'first' in a series, without necessarily implying a never-before-done action. For example, '最初に、自己紹介をします。' (Saisho ni, jikoshōkai o shimasu.) means 'First, I will introduce myself.' Here, '最初' indicates the order, not necessarily that it's the very first time the person has ever introduced themselves.
- Formal vs. Informal: '始めて' is a versatile word and can be used in both formal and informal settings without sounding out of place.
In essence, '始めて' is a crucial adverb in Japanese for clearly communicating that an action or event is a new and initial occurrence for the subject, making it an indispensable part of expressive communication.
Beispiele
私は初めて日本に行きました。
TravelI went to Japan for the first time.
彼女は初めてのプレゼンテーションで緊張していました。
Work/SchoolShe was nervous for her first presentation.
こんなに美味しい料理は初めて食べました。
FoodThis is the first time I've eaten such delicious food.
彼は初めての海外旅行にわくわくしている。
TravelHe is excited about his first overseas trip.
初めて会ったときから、彼に惹かれていた。
RelationshipsI was attracted to him from the first time we met.
Häufige Kollokationen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Grammatikmuster
So verwendest du es
Nutzungshinweise
Hajimete (初めて) is primarily an adverb, meaning 'for the first time,' or a noun, meaning 'the first time.' It can precede verbs to modify them, as in 'Hajimete tabemashita' (初めて食べました - I ate it for the first time). When used as a noun, it often appears with particles like 'no' (の) to connect it to another noun, as in 'Hajimete no Nihon' (初めての日本 - My first time in Japan). It's crucial to distinguish it from 'saisho ni' (最初に), which means 'at first' or 'initially' in a sequence, not necessarily a personal first experience. While 'hajimete' focuses on the novelty of an experience for the speaker, 'saisho ni' refers to the temporal order of events. For example, you would say 'Hajimete sushio tabemashita' (I ate sushi for the first time) to express a new personal experience, but 'Saisho ni, gohan o tabemashou' (First, let's eat rice) to indicate the initial step in a sequence. Another common usage is in the phrase 'O-hajimete desu ka?' (お初めてですか? - Is this your first time?), a polite way to inquire about someone's first experience with something, often used in service industries. The kanji 初 (hatsu) itself means 'first' and appears in many other words related to beginnings, like 'hatsuyume' (初夢 - first dream of the year) and 'hatsumōde' (初詣 - first shrine visit of the year).
Häufige Fehler
Some learners confuse '初めて' (hajimete - for the first time) with '最初' (saisho - the very beginning/first). While related, '初めて' emphasizes the novelty of an experience, while '最初' simply indicates order. For example, you might say '初めて日本に行った' (I went to Japan for the first time) but '最初に着いたのは東京だった' (The first place I arrived at was Tokyo).
Tipps
Usage of 初めて (hajimete)
Common mistake
Example sentences
Wortherkunft
The word 初めて (hajimete) comes from the adjective 初い (ui), meaning 'first' or 'new,' and the particle て (te), which indicates a state or manner. The original form was 初めて (uishimete), which evolved into 初めて (hajimete) over time. The kanji 初 means 'first' or 'beginning.'
Kultureller Kontext
Hajimete (初めて) in Japanese carries significant cultural weight, reflecting the Japanese appreciation for new experiences and beginnings. The concept of 'first time' is often associated with purity, innocence, and a sense of wonder. For instance, 'Hajimete no Otsukai' (はじめてのおつかい - My First Errand) is a beloved TV show where young children embark on their first solo errands, highlighting the cultural value placed on independence and growth from an early age. In personal relationships, a 'hajimete no date' (はじめてのデート - first date) is approached with a blend of excitement and formality, reflecting the importance of initial impressions and mutual respect. The cherry blossom viewing season, 'hanami', often includes people experiencing their 'hajimete no hanami' (first cherry blossom viewing) for the year, a moment savored for its transient beauty and symbolic newness. The phrase often evokes a sense of nostalgia when looking back at past 'firsts' and anticipation when looking forward to future ones, reinforcing a cultural inclination towards reflection and forward-looking perspective. It also ties into the concept of 'ichigo ichie' (一期一会), meaning 'one time, one meeting,' emphasizing the unique and unrepeatable nature of each moment, especially a first experience.
Merkhilfe
Visualize someone experiencing something completely new, like a child seeing snow for the first time. The wonder and novelty are key to '初めて'.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenTeste dich selbst
私は[ ]寿司を食べました。
彼女は[ ]日本へ行きました。
この本は[ ]読みます。
Ergebnis: /3
Usage of 初めて (hajimete)
Common mistake
Example sentences
Beispiele
5 von 5私は初めて日本に行きました。
I went to Japan for the first time.
彼女は初めてのプレゼンテーションで緊張していました。
She was nervous for her first presentation.
こんなに美味しい料理は初めて食べました。
This is the first time I've eaten such delicious food.
彼は初めての海外旅行にわくわくしている。
He is excited about his first overseas trip.
初めて会ったときから、彼に惹かれていた。
I was attracted to him from the first time we met.
Verwandte Inhalte
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr general Wörter
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
~について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
~ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.