Japanese word

初代

Pronunciation

Romajishodai

Meaning

  • nounfirst generation

Example

この車の初代は今も人気です。ko no kuruma no sho dai wa ima mo nin ki de su

The first generation of this car is still popular.

Illustration for 初代 (first generation)

More examples

新型よりも、初代のデザインを好む人もいます。shin gata yo ri mo sho dai no de za i n o kono mu hito mo i ma su

Some people prefer the first generation's design to that of the newer model.

Core concept

Identifies the starting point of a series, lineage, or product line from which later versions or members develop.

Common phrases

  • 初代の社長sho dai no sha chō

    the first president

  • 初代モデルsho dai mo de ru

    the first-generation model

Similar words

初期モデルshokimoderu: A model made near the beginning of a product line, without requiring it to be the first model.
先代sendai: A person or model that held a role or existed before the current one.

Definition in Japanese

同じ系統に属するもののうち、最初の世代に当たるものや、その系統を始めた人。ona ji kei tō ni zoku su ru mo no no u chi sai sho no se dai ni a ta ru mo no ya so no kei tō o haji me ta hito

Word origin

初 (sho, "first") combines with 代 (dai, "generation" or "period") to form a word for the first generation or founder.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese product discussions, 初代 (shodai) labels the original model, while in discussions of a school or tradition it can refer to its founder.

Other meanings

  • foundernoun

Word lists with this word