Skip to content
JLPT N4Adverbs

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.

Grammar path · 練習

Practice this in the path

A short lesson: the pattern, its sentence anatomy, a quick quiz and a sentence to build.

Pro lessonUNIT 98 · ADVERBS

Structure · 形

まず + [First action] + それから/次に + [Next action]

Examples · 例文

  • 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)

Usage notes · 注意

  • 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

Study Japanese grammar on LenGaki

Everything on this page, ready to study

  • 7,788 JLPT vocabulary words, N5 through N1, with readings and audio (N5 free)
  • 2,057 kanji with on'yomi, kun'yomi and stroke-order practice
  • 445 grammar points with examples and commonly-confused comparisons
  • Full-length N5 and N4 mock exams, timed, with real listening audio (N5 sets 1 and 2 free)