Japanese grammar · no level in the source

〜ははじめてですmeaning and usage

Meaning

A is the subject's first (time to do something)

How to form it

  • nounは初めてです
  • verb (dictionary form)のは初めてです
  • verb (ta-form)のは初めてです

How it is used

Says something is a first: 'This is my first…'. With an action, turn it into a noun with 「の」, as in 「日本に来るのは初めてです」. To ask, say 「〜は初めてですか」.

Examples

  1. 日本に来たのは初めてですか。

    Is this your first time in Japan?

  2. 一人で飛行機に乗るのは初めてです。

    This is my first time flying on my own.

  3. こんなにおいしいラーメンは初めてです。

    I've never had ramen this good before.