まず | Grammar

Structure

まず + [sentence] まずは + [sentence]

Description

まず means "first", "to start with": this step comes before the others. It is an adverb and usually stands at the front of the sentence or clause.

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Please write your name first.

、。

First wash your hands, and then let's start cooking.

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What should I do first?

In a list of steps, まず opens the list and つぎ次に, それから and さいご最後に carry it on.

、、。

First cut the ingredients, then put them in the pot, and finally simmer them.

"Before anything else"

まず also puts one thing ahead of everything else, without a second step in view. まずは, with は, is the same and very common in speech.

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First of all, calm down.

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Let's start by having some water.

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Health comes first.

まず or 初めて

まず orders steps. "The first time" something ever happened is はじめて初めて, or さいしょ最初に for the first of several occasions.

、。

When I first came to Japan, I didn't understand anything.

× まず日本に来た時 → 初めて日本に来た時

"Almost certainly"

With a guess (きごう〜だろう, きごう〜とおもう思う) or a negative, まず means "in all likelihood". Here it says how sure the speaker is, not which step comes first.

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If it's him, it'll almost certainly be fine.

、。

Starting now, there's almost no way to make it in time.

Examples

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Please write your name first.

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First I'll eat breakfast, and then go out.

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When I arrive in Japan, I'll go to the hotel first.

きごう？

What should I do first?

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Try reading this book first.

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First listen to the explanation, then ask questions.

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Let's try thinking about it ourselves first.

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First I'll go to the station, and then take the train.

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If there's a problem, you should consult the teacher first.

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Please calm down first.

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Let's start by having some water.

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If we're making travel plans, let's decide the budget first.

References

まずBunpro