Use 'hajimete' to describe any experience you are having for the first time.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe an experience occurring for the first time.
- Functions as an adverb modifying verbs.
- Commonly used to express excitement about new discoveries.
概要
「初めて」は、ある出来事や経験が、その人の人生や特定の期間において「最初」であることを示す言葉です。英語の “for the first time” に相当し、日常会話からビジネスまで幅広く使用されます。2) 使用パターン: 基本的には動詞を修飾する副詞として機能します。「初めて〜した」「初めて〜に行く」のように、新しい体験や発見を報告する際に文の冒頭や動詞の直前に配置されます。3) 一般的な文脈: 旅行、新しい食べ物、新しい仕事、初めての出会いなど、人生の重要な節目や新鮮な驚きを表現する場面で多用されます。4) 類語との比較: 「初め（はじめ）」は名詞として「最初」という意味を持ちますが、「初めて」は副詞として「初めて会う」のように動作を修飾する点が異なります。また、「初めて」は動作の「初体験」に焦点を当てますが、「最初」は順序を強調する際に使われることが多いです。
Examples
日本食を初めて食べました。
everydayI ate Japanese food for the first time.
初めての海外出張で緊張しています。
formalI am nervous about my first overseas business trip.
初めて会った気がしないね。
informalIt doesn't feel like we just met for the first time.
初めての試みとして、このプロジェクトを開始した。
academicAs a first attempt, we launched this project.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
はじめまして
Nice to meet you (for the first time).
初めてのこと
Something that is a first experience.
人生初めて
First time in my life.
Often Confused With
Saisho is a noun meaning 'beginning' or 'first'. Hajimete is an adverb focusing on the act of doing something for the first time.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Hajimete is versatile and used in all levels of formality. It is essential to distinguish it from the noun 'hajime'. It is most naturally placed immediately before the verb it modifies.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'hajimete' as a noun, such as 'hajimete wa...' which is incorrect. It should be used as an adverb. Ensure you don't confuse it with 'saisho' when referring to the start of a sequence.
Tips
Placement for emphasis
Placing 'hajimete' at the start of the sentence emphasizes the novelty of the experience. It captures the listener's attention effectively.
Don't confuse with noun usage
Remember that 'hajimete' is an adverb. Do not use it as a noun to mean 'the beginning'; use 'hajime' instead.
The importance of firsts
Japanese culture values 'first experiences' (hatsu-mono). Expressing that something is your first time often builds rapport and empathy with Japanese speakers.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'hajimeru' (to begin). The te-form acts as an adverbial modifier in Japanese grammar.
Cultural Context
In Japan, 'hatsu' (first) is a culturally significant concept, such as 'hatsumode' (first shrine visit of the year). Using 'hajimete' correctly helps you share meaningful life experiences with others.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Haji' (start) + 'mete' (eye/look). You are looking at something for the first time with fresh eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「初めて」は経験したことがない動作を強調する副詞です。一方、「最初」は順序や順番の最初を指す名詞として使われます。
通常、動詞の直前に置くのが最も自然です。文の冒頭に置くことも可能で、その場合は強調のニュアンスが強まります。
はい、使えます。ただし、これから行うことに対しては「初めて〜する」という形で、未来の予定や習慣的な意味合いで使われることが多いです。
「最後」や「二度目以降」などが対照的な概念となります。特定の単語としての直接的な反意語は存在しません。
Test Yourself
日本に来るのはこれが___です。
経験を指す副詞的用法として最も適切です。
初めて寿司を食べた。
副詞として動詞を直接修飾する形が正しいです。
（日本へ / 初めて / 来ました / 私は）
主語が最初に来るのが標準的な語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
Use 'hajimete' to describe any experience you are having for the first time.
- Used to describe an experience occurring for the first time.
- Functions as an adverb modifying verbs.
- Commonly used to express excitement about new discoveries.
Placement for emphasis
Placing 'hajimete' at the start of the sentence emphasizes the novelty of the experience. It captures the listener's attention effectively.
Don't confuse with noun usage
Remember that 'hajimete' is an adverb. Do not use it as a noun to mean 'the beginning'; use 'hajime' instead.
The importance of firsts
Japanese culture values 'first experiences' (hatsu-mono). Expressing that something is your first time often builds rapport and empathy with Japanese speakers.
Examples
4 of 4日本食を初めて食べました。
I ate Japanese food for the first time.
初めての海外出張で緊張しています。
I am nervous about my first overseas business trip.
初めて会った気がしないね。
It doesn't feel like we just met for the first time.
初めての試みとして、このプロジェクトを開始した。
As a first attempt, we launched this project.
Related Content
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
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.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
