first / beginning
N3- Onyomi
- ショ
- Kunyomi
- はじ(め)・はつ
- Stroke count
- 7
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 初 down and you get 衤 (clothing) — the edge of a garment at the left, and beside it 刀 (blade / divide) — a clean line splitting something in two. Picture clothing folded neatly into a stack, put 初 inside it, and let that scene stand for "first" — first / beginning. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 7
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は7画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 7 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
最初
saisho
the beginning
最初から始まります
saishokarahajimarimasu
starts from the beginning
最初までに出します
saishomadenidashimasu
submit by the beginning
最初の予定があります
saishonoyoteigaarimasu
plans for the beginning
Example sentences (5)
最初に自己紹介をお願いします。
さいしょ に じこしょうかい を おねがい します。
saisho ni jikoshoukai o onegai shimasu.
First, please introduce yourself.
最初は難しかったですが、だんだん慣れてきました。
さいしょ は むずかしかった です が、だんだん なれて きました。
saisho wa muzukashikatta desu ga, dandan narete kimashita.
At first it was difficult, but I have gradually gotten used to it.
選択を間違えると、最初からやり直すことになります。
せんたく を まちがえる と、さいしょ から やりなおす こと に なります。
sentaku o machigaeru to, saisho kara yarinaosu koto ni narimasu.
If you choose wrong, you will have to start over from the beginning.
初めての一人暮らしを母が心配しています。
はじめて の ひとりぐらし を はは が しんぱい しています。
hajimete no hitorigurashi o haha ga shinpai shiteimasu.
My mother is worried about my living alone for the first time.
設定をリセットすると、最初の状態に戻ってしまいます。
せってい を りせっと する と、さいしょ の じょうたい に もどって しまいます。
settei o risetto suru to, saisho no joutai ni modotte shimaimasu.
If you reset the settings, everything goes back to the initial state.