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初
On'yomi
ショ
SHO
Kun'yomi
はじ.め・はじ.めて・はつ・はつ-・うい-・-そ.める・-ぞ.め
hajime / hajimete / hatsu / hatsu / ui / someru / zome
first time · beginning
Details
Strokes7
Frequency#152
Radical刀knife(2)
Stroke Order
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Strokes7
Component Breakdown
初=
衤刀
clothes + sword
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of clothing and sword. Beginning of cutting cloth.
Symbolism
Beginner, first, beginning. Represents start.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Flow of time
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
初志貫徹
しょしかんてつ
carrying out one's original intention; carrying out one's original intention
Proverbs & Idioms
初心忘るべからず
しょしんわするべからず
Never forget the beginner's spirit
Always remember the pure intentions you had at the start
Poetry
和歌（百人一首） (Waka (Hyakunin Isshu))
心あてに 折らばや折らむ 初霜の おきまどはせる 白菊の花
Poem #29 from Hyakunin Isshu
凡河内躬恒Ōshikōchi no Mitsune
10th century和歌（百人一首） (Waka (Hyakunin Isshu))
恋すてふ わが名はまだき 立ちにけり 人知れずこそ 思ひ初めしか
Poem #41 from Hyakunin Isshu
壬生忠見Mibu no Tadami
10th century和歌（百人一首） (Waka (Hyakunin Isshu))
憂かりける 人を初瀬の 山おろしよ はげしかれとは 祈らぬものを
Poem #74 from Hyakunin Isshu
源俊頼朝臣源俊頼朝臣
Unknown