最初
さいしょ
JLPT N5 · vocab_basicMeaning
the first, the beginning
Examples
最初は難しかったですが、慣れました。
It was difficult at first, but I got used to it.
📖 How to Use
「最初」means "the first, the beginning." Seeing it in full sentences helps you remember both meaning and grammar patterns.
⚠️ Teacher's Note — Common Mistakes
「最初」is read as「さいしょ」— memorize it as a pair to avoid mistakes in もんだい1.
🎯 JLPT N5 — How It's Tested
もんだい1 & もんだい2
「最初」appears in vocabulary questions (choose the correct meaning) and context questions (choose the best word).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does 「最初」mean in Japanese?+
「最初」means "the first, the beginning". It is a JLPT N5 vocabulary word in the "vocab_basic" category.
How do you read 「最初」?+
「最初」is read as「さいしょ」.
Is 「最初」on the JLPT N5?+
Yes, 「最初」is an official JLPT N5 word. Mastering all N5 vocabulary (~800 words) is essential for passing.
Can you give an example sentence using 「最初」?+
最初は難しかったですが、慣れました。 — It was difficult at first, but I got used to it.
Practice 「最初」 with spaced repetition