How to say "first" in Japanese

• まずJLPT N4approx.Common
  adverbFor 'first of all; to begin with': the adverb that opens a sequence of actions or points, as in instructions, explanations, or plans. It is usually written in kana alone.
  まず第だい一いちに私はジムを訪たずねなければならない。↗

  First of all, I have to call on Jim.
• 一番いちばんJLPT N5approx.Common
  no-adjectiveThe ranking sense of 'first': number one, first place. It fits when someone or something comes first among a set — winning or placing first — not for the opening step of a series.
• 最初さいしょJLPT N4approx.Common
  no-adjective, adverbA noun for the beginning or outset of something: the earliest point or stage of an event, a period, or a process. It covers 'at first', pointing to time rather than rank.
  その考かんがえは最初さいしょのうちはばかげているように思おもえた。↗

  The idea seemed absurd at first.
• 初はつJLPT N1approx.Common
  no-adjective, noun (prefix), noun (suffix)Expresses 'first' in the sense of a first occurrence or the first of its kind, with a nuance of newness. It works as a prefix in compounds rather than standing alone as 'first'.
  彼かれらはエベレストに初はつ登頂とうちょうした。↗

  They made first ascent of Mount Everest.
• ファーストCommon
  prenominal modifierThis is the English word 'first' taken into Japanese, written in katakana. It appears in loanwords and set phrases, but it is seldom the word you need to say 'first' in an ordinary sentence.

Pick 「まず」 to open a sequence of actions, 最初 for the beginning of an event or period, 一番 for first place or number one, 初 in compounds for a first occurrence, and 「ファースト」 in loanwords and set phrases.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• まずfirst (of all)
• 一番いちばんnumber one
• 最初さいしょbeginning
• 初はつfirst
• ファーストfirst
• 第一だいいちfirst
• はじめにfirst
• 随一ずいいちbest
• 一次いちじfirst
• 一番目いちばんめfirst (in a series)
• 一いちfirst
• 先さきfirst
• 初めてはじめてfirst time
• はじめfirst (in line, etc.)
• ピンfirst
• 端はしbeginning
• 初回しょかいfirst
• いち早くいちはやくbefore others
• 先にさきにfirst
• イニシャルinitial
• 一つ目ひとつめfirst (in a series)
• 第一回だいいっかいfirst
• とっつきfirst (one comes to)
• 前まえprevious (e.g. page)
• 上かみbeginning
• 冠かんむりbest