初
first time · beginning
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
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
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
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 初 mean in Japanese?
初 means first time, beginning.
How do you read 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).
How many strokes does 初 have?
初 has 7 strokes. Its radical is 刀 (knife).
Is 初 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 初 (first time, beginning) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for beginning