初めて
Meanings, readings, and example sentences for the Japanese word 初めて
1
Adverb (fukushi); Nouns which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
for the first time
Examples
１６歳の時、初めてテニスをした。
When I was sixteen, I played tennis for the first time.
2
Adverb (fukushi); After the -te form of a verb
only after ... is it ...; only when ... do you ...; not until ... do you ...
Examples
しかし、抗議を通して初めて自由で開かれた社会が維持されるのである。
Only through protest can a free and open society be maintained.
3
Colloquial; Common noun
first time; (one's) first
Kanji in this Word
初
7 strokes
Frequency: 152
JLPT N2
Grade 4
Meanings
first time
beginning
Readings
On
— Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
ショ
Kun
— Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
はじ.め
はじ.めて
はつ
はつ-
うい-
-そ.める
-ぞ.め
Nanori
— Specialized readings used in names
し
はっ
始
8 strokes
Frequency: 244
JLPT N3
Grade 3
Meanings
commence
begin
Readings
On
— Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
シ
Kun
— Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
はじ.める
-はじ.める
はじ.まる
Nanori
— Specialized readings used in names
もと
甫
7 strokes
Frequency: 2270
JLPT N1
Grade 9
Meanings
for the first time
not until
Readings
On
— Chinese-derived reading, usually for compounds
ホ
フ
Kun
— Native Japanese reading, usually for standalone words
はじ.めて
Nanori
— Specialized readings used in names
はじめ
とし
なみ
すけ
よし
📝
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