真っ先・まっ先・真先|まっさきmassaki[3]nakadaka (mid-high)
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Which spelling to use
真っ先真っ先 is the most common written form and the recommended choice for beginners. Use it when writing the word.
まっ先まっ先 is a less common written variant; learners should generally choose 真っ先 instead.
真先真先 is the least common form; it is written with kanji alone, omitting the kana seen in 真っ先 and まっ先.
Definitions
- nounthe head; the foremost; beginning; the very front
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym一番いちばんNeutralMeans number one or the most, and is the most widely used of these words. 「真っ先」 is narrower: it stresses being the very first, ahead of everyone.
- Synonym最初さいしょNeutralRefers to the very beginning or outset, with the focus on order in time. 「真っ先」 instead stresses taking the lead and acting before others.
- SynonymはじめNeutralPoints to the start or opening of something, the starting point itself. 「真っ先」 stresses being first or going ahead of others.
- SynonymトップNeutralA loanword for the top spot or the top of an organization. 「真っ先」 is about the order of actions — who goes first.
- Synonym第一だいいちNeutralMeans foremost or number one, with the focus on importance or rank. 「真っ先」 is about being first in time, before anyone else.
- Synonymいの一番いのいちばんCasualA set phrase meaning the very first thing or first of all. Its tone is more colloquial and lively than 「真っ先」.
- Antonym最後さいごNeutralMeans the end or the last — the direct opposite of 「真っ先」, which is about coming first.
Use 「真っ先」 for being ahead of everyone or first to act, as in 「真っ先に駆けつける」 or 「真っ先に名前が挙がる」. For number one or the best, say 「一番」; for the earliest point in time, 「最初」; for foremost in importance, 「第一」; for last, 「最後」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
- 一番先。先頭。
Kanji in this word
