Japanese word

まず

Pronunciation

Romajimazu

Meaning

  • adverbfirst

Example

まず水を飲みます。ma zu mizu o no mi ma su

First, I drink water.

Illustration for まず (first)

More examples

分からない言葉は、まず辞書で調べます。wa ka ra na i koto ba wa ma zu ji sho de shira be ma su

When I do not know a word, I first look it up in a dictionary.

Core concept

It marks one action as the first step before other actions are taken.

Common phrases

  • まずはma zu wa

    first of all

  • まず確認するma zu kaku nin su ru

    check first

Similar words

とりあえずtoriaezu: It introduces an immediate first measure taken without settling the entire plan.
一旦ittan: It indicates a temporary or single step taken before what comes next.
先にsakini: It indicates that something is done earlier than another action or point in time.

Definition in Japanese

何かをするとき、ほかのことに先立って行うさま。nan ka o su ru to ki ho ka no ko to ni saki da tte okona u sa ma

Word origin

まず (mazu) is a native Japanese adverb inherited from Old Japanese まづ (madu); the change from d to z between vowels led to the modern form, while its deeper origin remains uncertain.

Usage tips

  • まず (mazu) often opens a spoken explanation or plan, marking the first step rather than simply referring to an early time.

Other meanings

  • before anything elseadverb

Word lists with this word