Japanese word

初心

Pronunciation

Romajishoshin

Meaning

  • nouninitial enthusiasm

Example

初心を忘れません。sho shin o wasu re ma se n

I will not forget my initial enthusiasm.

Illustration for 初心 (initial enthusiasm)

More examples

目標を見失いそうなとき、初心を思い出します。moku hyō o mi ushina i sō na to ki sho shin o omo i da shi ma su

When I feel I might lose sight of my goal, I remember my initial enthusiasm.

Core concept

Describes the original resolve and enthusiasm that accompany the beginning of an undertaking.

Common phrases

  • 初心に返るsho shin ni kae ru

    return to one's initial enthusiasm

  • 初心を忘れないsho shin o wasu re na i

    never forget one's initial enthusiasm

  • 初心を貫くsho shin o tsuranu ku

    stick to one's original intention

Similar words

初志shoshi: The purpose formed at the beginning of an undertaking.
原点genten: The original point or purpose that serves as a basis for later efforts.

Definition in Japanese

物事を始めた当初の熱意や、最初に立てた志。mono goto o haji me ta tō sho no netsu i ya sai sho ni ta te ta kokorozashi

Word origin

初心 (shoshin) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 初 (sho, "first") and 心 (shin, "heart or mind"), pointing to the mind at the start.

Usage tips

  • Japanese advice often uses 初心に戻る (shoshin ni modoru) for returning to an original purpose after gaining experience.

Other meanings

  • original intentionnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word