Kanji meanings › First
Kanji for First
Japanese has more than one kanji connected to “first”: 初、甲. Each has its own feeling. Compare their meanings, readings and the names they appear in.
first
The first; fresh beginnings.
Hatsumode (初詣) is the cherished Japanese tradition of visiting a Shinto shrine at the start of New Year.
7 strokes On reading ショ (sho) Kun reading はじめ、はじめて、はつ (hajime, hajimete, hatsu) JLPT N2
Dictionary meanings: first time, beginning
Readings used for names on Nazuke: ui, sho, hatsu
In Japan it appears in about 249 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, mostly in girls’ names.
Names written with 初: Euis 瑛初寿
first
The first, and armor; top class.
5 strokes On reading コウ、カン (kou, kan) Kun reading きのえ (kinoe) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: armor, high (voice), A grade, first class, former
Readings used for names on Nazuke: ki, kou, masaru
In Japan it appears in about 109 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, in both boys’ and girls’ names.
Thinking of a tattoo? A single kanji like these is meaningful on its own, but ask a native speaker to check the exact form and stroke order before you commit.
Put it in your name
Nazuke writes your first name in kanji, choosing characters for both sound and meaning.