TheJapanesePage.com Tip
A fascinating aspect of studying kanji is the opportunity to uncover broad patterns within the language. When you learn a single kanji character, it's like unlocking a treasure chest—suddenly, the potential to rapidly expand your vocabulary unfolds before you. Each kanji not only represents a word but also forms the building block for numerous other vocabulary words. This multiplicative effect of learning kanji makes it an incredibly rewarding and efficient way to enhance your Japanese language skills. Embrace the journey of discovering these patterns, and watch your vocabulary grow exponentially!
Today, let's look at a few--and there are many more--words that start with this kanji:
初 The First
It is used for many words indicating a first. In most examples, 初 is pronounced "hatsu."
初恋
first love; puppy love
初雪
first snow of the season
初耳
hearing something for the first time
New Year's Firsts
Since New Year's Day is huge in Japan, it's no surprise many of these new words pertain to New Year's Day.
初夢
first dream of the year
初場所
New Year's Sumo tournament held in Tokyo
初日の出
first sunrise of the year (New Year's Day)
We うい Love Firsts
Another reading for this kanji is うい.
Here are a few "first" words that begin with うい.
初陣
first campaign; one's first battle
初々しい
innocent; unsophisticated; fresh
