まず（まず、mazu）
- first of all

The Japanese word まず primarily functions as an adverb and has a few key meanings, all related to order, sequence, and preliminary actions. まず generally introduces the first step, something that should be done first, or a starting point. It can also imply "first of all," "to begin with," or "let's start by." It suggests a sequence where one thing leads to another. The specific meaning depends on the context, but the core idea of something being "first" or "at the beginning" remains constant. It can also have the nuance of "well..." or "let's see..." as a conversational filler.

⚫︎まず、自己紹介をしましょう。 Translation: First of all, let's introduce ourselves. ⚫︎まず、この書類にサインしてください。 Translation: First, please sign this document. ⚫︎まず、何を食べる？ Translation: First of all, what shall we eat?

⚫︎ Use まず at the beginning of a sentence or a clause to indicate the initial step or the most important thing to consider. ⚫︎ It's very common in instructions, explanations, and when setting a plan. ⚫︎ It can be used in both formal and informal situations. ⚫︎ When used as a filler, it typically precedes a slight pause before the speaker expresses their thoughts.

⚫︎ まず is primarily written in hiragana. ⚫︎ The word does not typically use kanji. ⚫︎ There are no variations in okurigana.

⚫︎ 最初に (saisho ni) - "At first," "Initially" ⚫︎ 第一に (dai ichi ni) - "Firstly," "In the first place" ⚫︎ 最初に (saisho ni) - "At the beginning"

There aren't direct antonyms, as まず indicates a starting point. However, words like "次に (tsugi ni)" meaning "next" or "then" can be used to contrast it.

まず、この本を読みましょう。それから、質問をします。 ・Translation: First, let's read this book. Then, I'll ask some questions. ・Explanation: まず clearly establishes that reading the book is the initial action.

まず、お名前を教えてください。 ・Translation: First, please tell me your name. ・Explanation: This sentence begins with まず to politely request the first piece of information.

The exact etymology of まず is not definitively known, but it is believed to be derived from the word 真 (ma), meaning "true" or "real", and the suffix ず (zu). Therefore, まず conveys a meaning related to the beginning or the "true" first step.