First in Japanese
"first" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
初
hatsu
4 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "first". The most common choice is shown first.
Top pick
first time, beginning
Reading: sho
7 strokes
Where it comes from
Composed of clothing and sword. Beginning of cutting cloth.
What it carries
Beginner, first, beginning. Represents start.
Related kanji for "first"
for the first time(also: not until)
ho
Shape of planting seedlings in field. Beginning.
in the first place(also: repress, well, now)
yoku · nature
Combines 'hand' (扌) with 'look up' reversed (卬), depicting pressing down with hands. Indicates suppressing emotions or actions.
first class(also: armor, high (voice), A grade)
kou · nature
Shape of turtle shell. First.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for first?
The most common kanji for "first" is 初, read as sho. It means first time, beginning. Related kanji: 甫 (for the first time), 抑 (in the first place), 甲 (first class).
How many strokes does 初 have?
初 has 7 strokes.