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A1 noun #3,945 mais comum 10 min de leitura

初回

shokai Top 3,945

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 初回 em 30 segundos

Explicação 初回 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on 'shokai' as a word for 'the first time' in common survival situations. You will most often see this word on signs in shops or hear it in simple classroom instructions. Think of it as a label. When you see '初回無料' (Shokai Muryou), it means the first time you use that service, it is free. It is a very useful word for finding deals! You might also hear it when watching a TV show. If you see '初回' on the screen, it means you are watching the first episode. At this level, don't worry about the complex grammar; just remember that 'shokai' = 'the first round of a series.' It is a noun, so you usually use it with 'no' to describe something else, like 'shokai no jugyou' (the first lesson).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'shokai' to describe sequences in your daily life. You should be able to distinguish 'shokai' from 'hajimete.' Use 'shokai' when you are talking about the first part of a plan or a series of events. For example, if you are paying for something in installments, you can say 'shokai no shiharai' (the first payment). In your Japanese studies, you might talk about 'shokai no tesuto' (the first test of the semester). You will also encounter 'shokai gentei' (first edition limited) frequently if you enjoy Japanese pop culture. At this stage, try to use 'shokai' in sentences that describe a 'first' that is followed by a 'second' (nikai) or 'third' (sankai).

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'shokai' in professional and specific hobby contexts. In a business setting, you might use it to describe an initial consultation ('shokai menndan'). You should also understand its use in sports, particularly baseball, where it refers to the first inning. You will notice that 'shokai' is often part of compound nouns like 'shokai-tesuuryou' (initial fee) or 'shokai-housou' (first broadcast). You should also be able to understand more complex sentences where 'shokai' is contrasted with subsequent times using particles like 'wa' and 'ni wa.' For instance, 'Shokai wa kinchou shimashita ga, nikai-me wa daijoubu deshita' (I was nervous the first time, but the second time was fine).

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At the B2 level, you should understand the stylistic choice of using 'shokai' over 'saisho' or 'hajimete.' 'Shokai' carries a more formal, objective tone. It is used in news reports, medical records, and official documents. You should be able to use it to describe the 'initial phase' of a project or a clinical trial. For example, 'shokai touyo' (the first administration of a drug). You will also encounter 'shokai' in academic writing when discussing the first iteration of an experiment. At this level, you should also be aware of social phenomena like 'shokai-arashi' (people who abuse first-time discounts) and be able to discuss the marketing strategies surrounding 'shokai-gentei' products in the Japanese economy.

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At the C1 level, you possess a nuanced understanding of 'shokai' within various registers. You can identify when 'shokai' is used to imply a 'premiere' status versus a mere 'number one' in a sequence. You should be able to analyze how the word is used in legal contracts (e.g., 'shokai ninkai' - first meeting of creditors in bankruptcy) or in high-level sports analysis. You can also use the word metaphorically or in more complex grammatical structures, such as using it as a temporal anchor for a narrative. You understand that 'shokai' is not just about time, but about the *role* that the first event plays in defining the trajectory of the entire series.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'shokai' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You understand the historical evolution of the kanji and how the concept of 'the first round' fits into the broader Japanese cultural emphasis on 'beginnings' (like 'shoshin' or 'hatsu'). You can use 'shokai' in highly specialized fields, such as medicine, law, or advanced mathematics (iterations). You are also sensitive to the subtle 'marketing' flavor the word has acquired in modern consumerist Japan and can use it or avoid it to achieve specific rhetorical effects in your speech and writing. You can effortlessly switch between 'shokai,' 'dai-ikkai,' and 'saisho' to match the exact formality and nuance required by the context.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

初回 em 30 segundos

Shokai means 'the first time' in a sequence, like the first episode or inning.
It is a formal noun, often used in business, media, and marketing settings.
Commonly paired with 'gentei' (limited) or 'muryou' (free) in sales contexts.
Distinguish it from 'hajimete' (personal experience) and 'saisho' (general start).

The Japanese word 初回 (しょかい - shokai) is a cornerstone noun for anyone navigating the Japanese language, particularly in the realms of media, business, and sports. At its core, it signifies the very first instance in a defined series, sequence, or set of occurrences. To understand its weight, one must look at its constituent kanji: 初 (sho), meaning 'first' or 'beginning,' and 回 (kai), which serves as a counter for 'times' or 'occurrences.' When combined, they don't just mean 'the first time' in a general sense, but specifically the first round of something that is expected to continue. This is a crucial distinction from other 'first' words like 最初 (saisho) or 初めて (hajimete).

Media and Entertainment: In the world of television and streaming, shokai is the standard term for a 'premiere' or 'episode one.' If you are watching a new anime or drama, the first broadcast is referred to as the shokai housou. Fans often look for the shokai genteiban, which is the 'first-press limited edition' of a CD, DVD, or book, often containing extra bonuses that subsequent editions lack.

新ドラマの初回放送は、来週の月曜日です。

The first broadcast of the new drama is next Monday.

In sports, specifically baseball—a national pastime in Japan—shokai is used to denote the first inning. You will hear announcers shout 'Shokai no omote' (the top of the first) or 'Shokai no ura' (the bottom of the first). This usage highlights the word's function as a marker for the beginning of a structured event. In financial contexts, it refers to the first installment of a payment plan (shokai barai). If you sign up for a gym or a subscription service, the 'first-time fee' or 'initial cost' is often called shokai tesuuryou.

Marketing and Business: Companies frequently use shokai tokuten (first-time benefits) to lure in new customers. This could be a discount on a first order or a free gift for a first-time visitor. In a business meeting context, shokai no menndan refers to the initial consultation or meeting between two parties, setting the stage for future collaboration.

初回限定のクーポンを使って、安く買い物をしました。

I shopped cheaply using a first-time-only coupon.

Understanding shokai is essential because it sets expectations. When a Japanese person hears this word, they immediately recognize that this is the 'start' of something larger. It carries a sense of importance and often a sense of 'specialness' (as seen in limited editions). Whether you are tracking a score in a game, looking for a deal on a new service, or waiting for your favorite show to start, shokai is the word that signals the beginning of the journey.

Grammatically, 初回 (shokai) functions as a noun. Because it is a noun, it often appears before another noun using the particle の (no) to act as an adjective, or it can stand alone as the subject or object of a sentence. Mastering its placement is key to sounding natural in Japanese.

As a Modifier (Noun + の): This is the most common usage. You take shokai, add no, and then the noun you want to describe. For example: shokai no jugyou (the first lesson), shokai no tesuto (the first test), or shokai no tsuika (the first addition). This structure clearly identifies which specific occurrence in a series you are discussing.

初回の講義は、オリエンテーションだけでした。

The first lecture was just an orientation.

Another frequent pattern involves the word being used with time-related particles like に (ni) or は (wa). When you say shokai ni, you are saying 'at the first time' or 'during the first round.' When you say shokai wa, you are contrasting the first time with potential future times. This is very common when discussing results: 'The first time was a failure, but the second time was a success.'

Compound Nouns: Japanese loves compounding nouns. You will often see shokai attached directly to other words without 'no.' Examples include shokai-muryou (first time free), shokai-gentei (first-time limited), and shokai-toushi (initial investment). These are treated as single vocabulary items in marketing and finance.

このアプリは、初回登録でポイントがもらえます。

You can get points by registering for the first time on this app.

It is also important to note the negative or restrictive usage. Phrases like shokai nomi (only the first time) or shokai kagiri (limited to the first time) are essential for understanding terms and conditions. If you see 'Shokai kagiri 50% OFF,' it means you only get that discount once. Using these structures allows you to specify the temporal boundaries of an offer or an event with precision.

If you live in Japan or consume Japanese media, 初回 (shokai) is inescapable. It is a word that rings out from television speakers, appears in bold red letters on store windows, and is whispered in business negotiations. Its usage spans from high-stakes professional environments to the most mundane daily activities.

At the Electronics Store or CD Shop: Walk into a Tower Records in Shibuya, and you will see signs for shokai ban (first edition). For idol groups like AKB48 or Snow Man, the 'shokai ban' is a highly coveted item. It often includes a different cover art, a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes footage, or a ticket for a handshake event. Fans will specifically ask staff, 'Shokai-ban wa mada arimasu ka?' (Do you still have the first edition?).

大好きなアーティストのアルバムを初回限定盤で予約した。

I reserved my favorite artist's album in the first-press limited edition.

In the world of sports broadcasting, shokai is the very first word an announcer might say after the opening theme. 'Shokai, Giants no kougeki...' (First inning, the Giants' attack...). Because baseball games are measured in 'innings' (kai), the first inning is naturally the 'shokai.' You'll also hear it in clinical settings; a doctor might refer to your 'shokai shinnsatsu' (initial consultation/first examination) to distinguish it from 'saishin' (follow-up visits).

Subscription Services and Trials: Modern Japanese life is full of 'subscription' models. Whether it's a meal kit, a beauty box, or a gym membership, the shokai getsumen (first monthly fee) is often discounted. You might hear a sales clerk say, 'Shokai wa hansaku desu' (The first time is half price). This is a very common phrase used to lower the barrier to entry for new users.

このエステサロンは、初回荒らしを防ぐために身分証が必要です。

This beauty salon requires ID to prevent 'first-time hopping' (people who only go once for the discount).

Finally, in the academic world, the first class of a semester is the shokai jugyou. Professors use this time for 'gaidansu' (guidance) and 'shirabasu' (syllabus) explanations. If you miss the shokai, you might miss crucial information about how the rest of the course will be graded. Thus, shokai carries a functional weight—it is the foundation upon which the subsequent 'kai' (times) are built.

Even though 初回 (shokai) is an A1 level word in terms of frequency, its specific usage boundaries can be tricky for English speakers. The most common pitfall is confusing it with other words that translate to 'first' in English, such as 初めて (hajimete) and 最初 (saisho).

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Hajimete': 'Hajimete' is an adverb used to describe the experience of doing something for the first time in your life. 'Shokai' is a noun referring to the first slot in a series. You would say 'Hajimete sushi wo tabeta' (I ate sushi for the first time), but you would NOT say 'Shokai sushi wo tabeta.' However, you COULD say 'Shokai no chuumon wa sushi deshita' (The first order [in a series of orders] was sushi).

❌ 日本へ初回行きました。
✅ 日本へ初めて行きました。

Correction: Use 'hajimete' for life experiences.

Another error involves the word 最初 (saisho). While both mean 'first,' saisho is more general and refers to the beginning of a spatial or temporal sequence (like the 'start' of a race or the 'front' of a line). Shokai is strictly for 'the first of many occurrences.' If you are talking about the first page of a book, use saisho no peeji. If you are talking about the first volume in a book series, you might use shokai (though dai-ikkan is more common there).

Mistake 2: Over-formality: In very casual conversation with friends, using 'shokai' can sometimes sound a bit clinical or like a business announcement. For example, if you're talking about the first time you met your girlfriend, saying 'Shokai no deai' sounds like a police report. It's better to use 'Saisho ni atta toki' (The time we first met) or 'Hajimete atta toki.'

❌ 初回のデートはどうだった？
✅ 最初のデートはどうだった？

Correction: 'Saisho' or 'Hajimete' is more natural for social events.

Lastly, be careful with the counter kai. While shokai is a word on its own, people often say ikkai-me (the first time) to mean the same thing in casual settings. Shokai is the more formal, 'proper' noun version. Using shokai in a casual setting isn't 'wrong,' but it makes you sound like a TV announcer or a professional salesperson.

Japanese has a wealth of words to describe 'the beginning' or 'the first.' Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about an experience, a sequence, a physical position, or a formal event. Here is how 初回 (shokai) compares to its closest relatives.

初回 (Shokai) vs. 最初 (Saisho): Shokai: Focuses on the 'round' or 'occurrence.' Used for innings, episodes, and installments. (e.g., Episode 1).
Saisho: Focuses on the 'start' or 'beginning' in a general sense. Used for the start of a race, the first person in line, or the beginning of a story. (e.g., The beginning of the movie).

初回 (Shokai) vs. 初めて (Hajimete): Shokai: A noun/adjective describing an external event in a series. (e.g., The first meeting of the committee).
Hajimete: An adverb/noun describing a personal milestone or 'for the first time ever' experience. (e.g., The first time I ever traveled abroad).

初回 (Shokai) vs. 第1回 (Dai-ikkai): Shokai: Often refers to the first part of a *continuous* series (like a weekly TV show).
Dai-ikkai: Used for 'The 1st Annual' or 'The 1st Session' of an event that happens periodically but with significant gaps (like a festival or a conference). It sounds more grand and official.

・初回の放送 (The first broadcast of a series)
・第1回マラソン大会 (The 1st Annual Marathon)

Other alternatives include 初対面 (shotaimen) for a first meeting with a person, and 皮切り (kawaki-ri), a more poetic way to say 'the start' or 'the kickoff' of a tour or event series. In baseball specifically, you might hear 立ち上がり (tachi-agari) to describe the way a pitcher performs in the 'shokai' (the start of the game). Understanding these nuances will help you move from basic Japanese to a more sophisticated, context-aware level of communication.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The kanji '初' is made of 'cloth' (衣) and 'knife' (刀). It literally means the moment you cut the fabric to start making clothes—the very first step!

Guia de pronúncia

UK ʃoʊ-kaɪ

US ʃoʊ-kaɪ

The stress is even on both syllables, common in Japanese pitch accent (Heiban or Atamadaka depending on dialect, but generally flat).

Rima com

紹介 (Shoukai) 後悔 (Koukai) 爽快 (Soukai) 豪快 (Goukai) 正解 (Seikai) 世界 (Sekai) 限界 (Genkai) 展開 (Tenkai)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'sho' like 'shoe' (it should be 'show').
Pronouncing 'kai' like 'kay' (it should be 'k-eye').
Making the 'o' too short.
Adding a hard 't' sound at the end.
Confusing the pitch with 'shoukai' (introduction).

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

The kanji are common, but 'sho' has many readings. 'Kai' is very basic.

Escrita 3/5

The kanji '初' has a specific stroke order for the 'knife' radical.

Expressão oral 1/5

Easy to pronounce with no difficult sounds for English speakers.

Audição 2/5

Can be confused with 'shoukai' (introduction) if not careful with vowel length.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

初 (First) 回 (Times) 一回 (Once) 最初 (Beginning)

Aprenda a seguir

次回 (Next time) 前回 (Previous time) 最終回 (Final episode) 限定 (Limited) 特典 (Bonus)

Avançado

皮切り (Kickoff) 初陣 (First battle/debut) 嚆矢 (The beginning/pioneer)

Gramática essencial

Noun + の + Noun

初回の放送 (First broadcast)

Counter ~回 (kai)

一回、二回、三回...

Limited condition ~のみ (nomi)

初回のみ有効

Limited condition ~に限り (ni kagiri)

初回に限り無料

Time marker ~に (ni)

初回に説明します

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Exemplos por nível

初回は無料です。

The first time is free.

Simple noun + 'wa' + adjective structure.

ドラマの初回を見ました。

I watched the first episode of the drama.

Using 'no' to link 'shokai' to 'drama'.

初回、頑張りましょう！

Let's do our best in the first round!

Used as a standalone noun for 'the first inning/round'.

初回のレッスンはいつですか？

When is the first lesson?

Modifying 'lesson' with 'shokai no'.

これは初回限定盤です。

This is a first-press limited edition.

Compound noun: shokai + gentei + ban.

初回に名前を書いてください。

Please write your name the first time.

Using 'ni' to indicate 'at/during the first time'.

野球の初回は終わりました。

The first inning of baseball is over.

Subject marker 'wa' after 'shokai'.

初回だけ500円です。

It is only 500 yen for the first time.

'Dake' (only) limits the scope to the first occurrence.

初回の支払いは来月です。

The first payment is next month.

Refers to the first in a sequence of payments.

初回のご注文ですか？

Is this your first order?

Polite 'go' prefix added to 'chuumon'.

初回放送を見逃しました。

I missed the first broadcast.

Compound noun: shokai + housou (broadcast).

アニメの初回は面白かったです。

The first episode of the anime was interesting.

Evaluation of the first occurrence in a series.

初回限定のクーポンを使います。

I will use the first-time-only coupon.

Specifying a benefit restricted to the first time.

初回の授業は自己紹介でした。

The first class was self-introductions.

Defining the content of the first instance.

初回のみ、入会金がかかりません。

Only for the first time, there is no admission fee.

'Nomi' (only) emphasizes the restriction.

初回の相談は30分です。

The first consultation is 30 minutes.

Setting a time limit for the initial meeting.

初回特典としてポスターがつきます。

A poster is included as a first-time bonus.

'Toshite' (as) defines the role of 'shokai tokuten'.

野球の初回に3点入りました。

Three runs were scored in the first inning.

Specific sports terminology for 'inning'.

初回盤はすでに売り切れました。

The first-press edition is already sold out.

Abbreviation of 'shokai genteiban'.

初回のご利用、ありがとうございます。

Thank you for your first use (of our service).

Standard business greeting for new customers.

初回登録時にパスワードを設定してください。

Please set a password at the time of first registration.

'Ji ni' (at the time of) following the noun compound.

初回のカウンセリングは予約が必要です。

A reservation is required for the first counseling session.

Professional context for an initial appointment.

ドラマの初回、視聴率が良かったです。

The first episode of the drama had good ratings.

Discussing media performance.

初回は緊張して、うまく話せませんでした。

I was nervous the first time and couldn't speak well.

Contrasting the first experience with later ones.

初回投与後の経過を観察します。

We will observe the progress after the first administration.

Medical term for the first dose in a series.

このプロジェクトは初回から難航している。

This project has been having difficulties since the first stage.

'Kara' (from) indicates the starting point of a series.

初回の面談で、方向性を決めましょう。

Let's decide on the direction during the first meeting.

Focusing on the strategic importance of the first meeting.

初回限定版には豪華なブックレットが封入されている。

A deluxe booklet is enclosed in the first-press limited edition.

Describing contents of a specific product type.

初回の試みとしては、成功と言えるだろう。

As a first attempt, it can be called a success.

'Toshite wa' (as for) provides a basis for evaluation.

初回契約時に限り、事務手数料が免除されます。

The administrative fee is waived only upon the first contract.

Formal legal/business condition.

彼は初回の打席でホームランを打った。

He hit a home run in his first at-bat.

Sports context: first appearance in a game.

初回の放送は一時間の拡大版でお送りします。

The first broadcast will be an extended one-hour edition.

Broadcasting industry jargon.

治験の初回フェーズにおいて、安全性に問題はなかった。

In the initial phase of the clinical trial, there were no safety issues.

Technical/Scientific usage for 'Phase 1'.

初回のご連絡をいただいてから、早三ヶ月が経ちました。

It has already been three months since you first contacted us.

Formal business correspondence tracking time.

初回作品とは思えないほどの完成度の高さだ。

The level of completion is so high it's hard to believe it's an initial work.

Evaluating an artist's debut or first entry in a series.

初回公判では、被告人は起訴内容を否認した。

At the first public trial, the defendant denied the charges.

Legal terminology for the first court hearing.

初回の投資額をいかに回収するかが鍵となる。

The key is how to recover the initial investment amount.

Economic/Business strategy context.

初回限定盤のプレミアム化が加速している。

The trend of first-edition items becoming premium collectibles is accelerating.

Sociological/Economic observation.

初回は様子見に徹し、二回目から本格的に動く。

Devote the first time to observing, and act seriously from the second time.

Strategic planning and sequencing.

初回の打ち合わせでは、概略のみを共有した。

In the first meeting, we only shared the outline.

Professional project management context.

初回のみならず、継続的な支援が不可欠である。

Not only the first time, but continuous support is indispensable.

Using 'nominarazu' (not only) for high-level logic.

初回の配当金は、予想を大幅に上回るものとなった。

The initial dividend payment significantly exceeded expectations.

Advanced financial reporting.

初回にしてこの域に達するとは、稀有な才能だ。

To reach this level on the first try—it's a rare talent.

'Nishite' (even being/on the occasion of) expressing surprise.

初回放送の反響を鑑み、続編の制作が決定した。

In view of the response to the first broadcast, a sequel's production was decided.

'Kanganmi' (in light of) - formal decision-making language.

初回の登録から退会に至るまでのユーザー動線を分析する。

Analyze the user path from initial registration to cancellation.

Data science and UX research terminology.

初回限定版の付録が、本編以上の価値を持つこともある。

The bonuses in the first edition sometimes hold more value than the main work itself.

Cultural/Market analysis.

初回における些細なミスが、後の致命的な欠陥に繋がりかねない。

A trivial mistake in the initial stage could lead to a fatal defect later.

Engineering and risk management context.

初回という「特権的瞬間」をいかに演出するかが重要だ。

It is important how to stage the 'privileged moment' of the first time.

Philosophical or marketing-heavy discourse.

Sinônimos

最初第一回始め初発トップ

Antônimos

最終回次回前回

Colocações comuns

初回限定

初回放送

初回無料

初回登録

初回特典

初回払い

初回診察

初回面談

初回生産

初回ログイン

Frases Comuns

初回につき

— Because it is the first time. Used to explain rules or discounts.

初回につき、半額となります。

初回のみ

— Only for the first time. Indicates a one-time offer or rule.

初回のみ有効なクーポンです。

初回から飛ばす

— To go full speed from the very beginning (often in sports).

彼は初回から飛ばしている。

初回限定盤

— First-press limited edition (common for CDs/DVDs).

初回限定盤を予約しました。

初回荒らし

— A person who only uses first-time discounts and never returns.

初回荒らしは歓迎されない。

初回に限り

— Limited to the first time (formal).

初回に限り、送料は無料です。

初回の手続き

— Initial procedures or paperwork.

初回の手続きには時間がかかります。

初回ロット

— The first batch or lot of production.

初回ロットには不具合があった。

初回導入

— Initial introduction or implementation.

システムの初回導入費用。

初回訪問

— The first visit to a place or person.

初回訪問の際は名刺が必要です。

Frequentemente confundido com

初回 vs 紹介 (Shoukai)

Means 'introduction'. Sounds very similar but has a long 'u' sound.

初回 vs 最初 (Saisho)

Means 'the very beginning'. Used for physical position or the start of a single event, while 'shokai' is for a series.

初回 vs 初めて (Hajimete)

An adverb for personal 'first-time' experiences.

Expressões idiomáticas

"初回に釘を刺す"

— To give a warning or set a firm rule at the very first meeting to prevent future issues.

初回に釘を刺しておいたほうがいい。

Neutral/Business

"初回からフルスロットル"

— To start at maximum energy or speed right from the first round.

新番組は初回からフルスロットルだ。

Informal

"初回で決める"

— To succeed or finish something in the very first attempt/round.

初回で勝負を決めるつもりだ。

Neutral

"初回にして最高傑作"

— The first work in a series being the best (masterpiece).

この映画は初回にして最高傑作だ。

Literary

"初回を飾る"

— To grace or mark the first occasion (usually in a positive, grand way).

彼がツアーの初回を飾った。

Formal

"初回に泥を塗る"

— To ruin the first occurrence or reputation at the start.

初回の放送に泥を塗るような不祥事だ。

Formal

"初回が肝心"

— The first time is crucial (similar to 'first impressions are everything').

何事も初回が肝心です。

Neutral

"初回から波乱"

— Turbulence or trouble right from the first round.

ドラマは初回から波乱の展開だ。

Neutral

"初回に水を差す"

— To throw cold water on the first event (spoil the mood).

初回の成功に水を差すような発言だ。

Neutral

"初回を凌ぐ"

— To surpass the first time (usually the second time is better).

二回目は初回を凌ぐ盛り上がりだった。

Formal

Fácil de confundir

初回 vs 最初

Both translate to 'first'.

Saisho is general (first page, first person). Shokai is sequential (first episode, first inning).

最初の人 (the first person) vs 初回の放送 (the first broadcast).

初回 vs 初めて

Both involve the concept of 'first'.

Hajimete is about experience/milestones. Shokai is about the slot in a series.

初めて食べた (ate for the first time) vs 初回の注文 (the first order in a series).

初回 vs 第一回

Both mean 'the first time/round'.

Dai-ikkai is more formal and used for grand events (1st Annual). Shokai is for continuous series (Episode 1).

第一回オリンピック (The 1st Olympics) vs ドラマの初回 (The first episode of a drama).

初回 vs 初日

Both refer to the start.

Sho-nichi specifically means 'the first day' of a multi-day event like a play or a tournament.

公演の初日 (The first day of the performance).

初回 vs 一回目

Both mean 'the first time'.

Ikkai-me is more casual and focuses on counting. Shokai is a more formal noun.

一回目の練習 (The first practice).

Padrões de frases

初回は [Adjective] です。

初回は無料です。

初回の [Noun] は [Time] です。

初回のレッスンは明日です。

初回に [Verb]。

初回に名前を書きました。

[Noun] の初回を見ました。

ドラマの初回を見ました。

初回限定の [Noun] を買いました。

初回限定のCDを買いました。

初回のみ [Condition]。

初回のみ半額になります。

初回から [Verb-te] いる。

初回から難航している。

初回における [Noun]。

初回における問題点。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

初回 (First time)

各回 (Each time)

前回 (Previous time)

次回 (Next time)

最終回 (Final time)

Verbos

回る (To turn/rotate)

回す (To turn something)

初回する (Not used, use 'hajimeru')

Adjetivos

初々しい (Innocent/fresh)

初歩的な (Elementary)

Relacionado

最初

初日

初対面

初耳

初雪

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in media, advertising, and sports.

Erros comuns

Using 初回 for 'first time eating sushi'. → 初めて (hajimete)
Shokai is for a position in a series, not personal experience.
Saying 初回の人 (shokai no hito) for 'the first person'. → 最初の人 (saisho no hito)
Saisho is used for physical or general order.
Confusing 初回 (shokai) with 紹介 (shoukai). → 紹介 (shoukai)
Shoukai means introduction. Shokai means first round. Watch the vowel length!
Using 初回 for 'the first day of a festival'. → 初日 (shonichi)
Shonichi is for days; Shokai is for rounds/occurrences.
Writing 初 with the 礻 radical. → 初 (with 衤)
The radical is 'clothing', not 'spirit'.

Dicas

Using with Particles

Remember to use 'no' when 'shokai' modifies another noun: 'shokai no jugyou'.

Limited Edition Hunt

If you want the best version of a CD, always look for the characters '初回限定盤' on the label.

Business Etiquette

Use 'shokai' when referring to the first meeting with a client to sound more professional.

Baseball Lingo

In baseball, 'shokai' is the only way to say 1st inning. Don't say 'dai-ikki' or 'saisho'.

Coupon Codes

Look for '初回' on Japanese apps like UberEats or Mercari for big first-time discounts.

TV Announcements

If a TV announcer says 'shokai', pay attention—it's likely a premiere with special content.

Kanji Precision

The knife radical in '初' is important. It symbolizes the 'cut' that starts the process.

Shokai vs. Saisho

Think: Shokai = Episode 1. Saisho = The beginning of the story.

Learning Order

Learn 'shokai', 'jikai' (next time), and 'saishuukai' (last time) as a set.

First Consultations

Doctors and lawyers call the first visit 'shokai'. It usually has a different fee.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Show' (Sho) and a 'Kite' (Kai). The first 'Show' you fly your 'Kite' is the 'Shokai'.

Associação visual

Imagine the number '1' inside a rotating circle. The circle is the 'kai' (occurrence), and the '1' is the 'sho' (first).

Word Web

Episode 1 Inning 1 Installment 1 First-time free Limited Edition Initial Meeting Premiere Debut

Desafio

Try to find the word '初回' on a Japanese shopping website like Amazon Japan or Rakuten. Look for it in product titles for CDs or games.

Origem da palavra

The word is composed of two Chinese-derived kanji (Sino-Japanese). '初' (sho) dates back to ancient oracle bone script representing a knife cutting cloth, signifying the start of making a garment. '回' (kai) originally depicted a whirlpool or something rotating.

Significado original: The first rotation or the beginning of a cycle.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'shokai-arashi' (discount hunting) is seen as slightly rude behavior in the service industry.

While English uses 'premiere' or 'episode 1', Japanese uses 'shokai' as a versatile counter that covers sports, finance, and media equally.

Weekly Shonen Jump first issues Standard baseball commentary Limited Edition anime box sets

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

TV and Anime

初回放送
初回特別編
初回15分拡大
初回視聴率

Baseball

初回の攻防
初回先頭打者
初回に失点
初回の裏

Shopping

初回限定盤
初回特典付き
初回プレス
初回入荷分

Services/Gyms

初回無料体験
初回入会金
初回半額
初回カウンセリング

Payments

初回振込
初回引き落とし
初回返済額
初回手数料

Iniciadores de conversa

"あのドラマの初回、見ましたか？ (Did you see the first episode of that drama?)"

"初回限定盤と通常盤、どっちを買いますか？ (Will you buy the limited edition or the regular edition?)"

"初回は無料だそうですよ。行ってみませんか？ (I heard the first time is free. Why don't we go?)"

"野球の初回、いきなりホームランが出ましたね！ (A home run right in the first inning!)"

"初回の授業はどうでしたか？ (How was the first class?)"

Temas para diário

新しく始まったドラマの初回について感想を書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the first episode of a newly started drama.)

初回限定のサービスを利用したことがありますか？ (Have you ever used a first-time-only service?)

何かのシリーズの「初回」が一番好きだった経験はありますか？ (Have you ever experienced a 'first installment' being your favorite in a series?)

初めてのレッスンの「初回」に準備すべきことは何ですか？ (What should be prepared for the 'first' of a series of lessons?)

「初回」と「最終回」、どちらが大切だと思いますか？ (Which do you think is more important, the first episode or the final episode?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, you should use '初めて' (hajimete) for personal experiences like that. 'Shokai' is for things in a series.

No, it's used in baseball (1st inning), finance (1st payment), shopping (1st edition), and medical contexts (1st visit).

It means 'first-press limited edition.' It's a special version of a product only available during the first production run.

No, use '最初' (saisho) for the first page. Use 'shokai' if the book is part of a weekly magazine series.

It means 'first time is free.' You often see this at gyms, hair salons, or for app subscriptions.

It is neutral to formal. In very casual speech, people might say '1回目' (ikkai-me) instead.

You simply say 'shokai' (初回).

The most direct opposite for a series is 'saishuukai' (最終回), meaning 'the final episode/round'.

Yes, usually. It categorizes the event as the first in a planned or expected sequence.

No, it is strictly a noun. You cannot say 'shokai suru' (that would mean 'to introduce' if you meant 'shoukai').

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