まず — First / First of all / To begin with
A sequencing adverb meaning "first" or "first of all," used to introduce the first step in a sequence of actions or the most important/primary point.
Structure
まず + [First action] + それから/次に + [Next action]
Examples
まず、お名前を教えていただけますか。
Mazu, onamae o oshiete itadakemasu ka.
First, could you tell me your name?
まず = first (beginning of a sequence)
まず手を洗って、それから食べましょう。
Mazu te o aratte, sorekara tabemashō.
First wash your hands, then let's eat.
まず → それから = first... then...
漢字を勉強するときは、まず読み方を覚えて、次に書き方を練習します。
Kanji o benkyō suru toki wa, mazu yomikata o oboete, tsugi ni kakikata o renshū shimasu.
When studying kanji, first memorize the readings, and next practice the writing.
まず → 次に = first... next... (steps in order)
• Sequence words: まず (first) → 次に/それから (then/next) → 最後に (finally/lastly). • まず is also used to reassure: まず大丈夫です ("it's safe to say it's fine").
Commonly confused with
The JLPT rarely asks whether you recognise a pattern — it asks which of several similar patterns fits. These are the ones まず is tested against.
vs はじめに
はじめに ("to begin with / at the outset") is more formal and often opens a written or structured explanation; まず is more conversational and step-by-step.
vs さいしょに (最初に)
最初に points to the literal first item in a set; まず frames the first action while implying more steps will follow.
More adverbs
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