Translation and Meaning of: 先ず - mazu

The Japanese word 「先ず」 (mazu) is an adverb meaning "firstly," "above all," or "in the first place." It is a term widely used in the Japanese language to indicate the order of actions or to emphasize the importance of a first step in a sequence of events. The simplicity and clarity that this term brings to a sentence are highly appreciated, especially in contexts where chronology or priority are crucial elements.

Etimologically, 「先ず」 is composed of the kanji characters 「先」 (sen), which means "before" or "preceding," and ず (zu), a form derived from Japanese grammar used to create adverbs. The kanji 「先」 is quite common in other Japanese words that indicate precedence, such as 「先生」 (sensei, "teacher") and 「先週」 (senshuu, "last week"). This combination helps convey the idea of an action that comes first in a series of steps.

In practice, the use of 「まず」 (alternatively written in hiragana) can be found in recipe instructions, procedural explanations, and in various other situations where it is necessary to follow a specific order. In guides and step lists, it is common for the expression to be the first to appear, immediately defining the first essential movement to be made. This effectiveness in communication makes the use of the term quite universal and accessible, even for those who are just starting to learn the Japanese language.

The popularity of 「先ず」 is also reflected in its presence in everyday discourse. Whether it's to organize daily tasks, discuss future plans, or simply tell a story, the word adds clarity and emphasis to the narrative flow. For Japanese learners, mastering the use of 「まず」 can be a significant step towards understanding how time and the order of actions are structured in the language, a fundamental aspect for effective communication.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 最初に (Saisho ni) - at first; first (indicates the first action or event)
• 初めに (Hajime ni) - at the beginning; initially (highlights the start of a process)
• まずは (Mazu wa) - first; first of all (used to introduce an initial action)
• はじめに (Hajime ni) - at the beginning; to start (similar to 初めに, it is an introduction)
• 一番に (Ichiban ni) - first place (emphasizes the idea of being the first among others)