序の口・序ノ口|じょのくちjonokuchi[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounthe beginning (as in "this is only the beginning")
2. noun, sumolowest division in sumo

• SynonymはじめNeutralThe most general word for a beginning or start; unlike 「序の口」 it does not stress that this is only the start with greater things to come.
• Synonym始まりはじまりNeutralRefers to the moment something starts or its origin, without the nuance that it amounts to little so far.
• SynonymスタートNeutralA loanword for setting off or getting under way, common for races and the start of a new life; 「序の口」 stresses that more lies ahead.
• SynonymビギニングNeutralA stiff loanword rarely heard in daily use; say 「始め」 instead in ordinary speech.
• Related最初さいしょNeutralPoints to the very first moment or initial stage, as in 「最初は反対だった」; the most common word in daily use, with no 'just beginning' emphasis.
• Related当初とうしょNeutralMeans at first or originally, usually contrasted with later changes, as in 「当初の予定」.
• Related冒頭ぼうとうNeutralThe opening part of a text, speech or meeting, as in 「冒頭で述べた」.
• Related初期しょきNeutralThe early stage of a period, typical of illnesses, history, products and the like.
• Related序盤じょばんNeutralOriginally the opening of a go or shogi game, extended to the early stages of matches and elections.
• Related初頭しょとうWrittenThe start of a century or era, as in 「20世紀初頭」; belongs to written/formal prose.
• Related幕開けまくあけNeutralLiterally the raising of the curtain; metaphorically the start of a new era or event, with a grand, solemn ring.
• Related序章じょしょうWrittenOriginally the prologue chapter of a book, metaphorically the beginning of a great event; often 「序章にすぎない」; written/formal prose.
• Related滑り出しすべりだしNeutralRefers to how the early stage goes; often used as 「好調な滑り出し」 to rate whether a start is good or bad.
• Related出だしでだしNeutralThe opening part of an event, song or piece of music, often used to judge how smoothly things begin; 「序の口」 stresses that it is only the start.
• Related出始めではじめNeutralThe time when seasonal goods first appear on the market, as in 「出始めの筍」; a narrow word with few other uses.
• Antonym横綱よこづなNeutralAntonym: the highest rank in sumo, standing at the opposite end of the ladder from the lowest division 「序の口」.

For an ordinary beginning, say 「始め」 or 「最初」. Use 「まだ序の口」 when you want to stress that this is only the start and greater things lie ahead. For the opening of a text or speech use 「冒頭」, and for the early stage of a period 「初期」. 「スタート」 suits races and fresh starts, 「序盤」 the early phase of games and elections, 「初頭」 the start of a century in written prose, and 「幕開け」 or 「序章」 a grand note for the dawn of an era.

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

1. 相撲すもうの番付ばんづけの一ひとつで、最もっとも下位かいのもの。
2. 物事ものごとの過程かていにおける始はじまりの部分ぶぶん。