Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
初次 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
初次chūcìfor the first timeHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #8740, Very Hard
初次chūcìfirst (meeting, attempt etc)HSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #8740, Very Hard
chūcì(chu1ci4)chu ci T1
  1. 1for the first time
  2. 2first (meeting, attempt etc)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

初次chūcì(chu1ci4)

初次 (chūcì) means 'for the first time' and is commonly used to describe experiences, meetings, or attempts that occur for the first time. It emphasizes the novelty of the situation and can convey a sense of excitement or apprehension.

Strokes13Frequency#8740DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of '初次' is significant in social interactions, as first meetings often carry a weight of expectation and formality, especially in business settings. The phrase 初次见面 is often used as a polite greeting when meeting someone for the first time.

Memory tip

Think of 初 (chū) as the start of a journey, like the first step you take, and 次 (cì) as the sequence of events. Imagine embarking on a new adventure, feeling the thrill of your first experience as you 'chū' into the unknown.

Meanings of 初次

chūcì(chu1ci4)
1for the first time
2first (meeting, attempt etc)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 初次 means.

About 初次

初次Simplified
13Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5BCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 初次

JasonAmy

Podcast: 初次

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 初次

Quick Contrast

首次 (shǒucì) - use 初次 (chūcì) for a more casual or conversational tone, while 首次 (shǒucì) is often more formal or literary.

Usage Notes

初次 is typically used in informal contexts to describe personal experiences, so it may not be suitable for very formal writing. Common collocations include 初次见面 (chūcì jiànmiàn, 'first meeting') and 初次尝试 (chūcì chángshì, 'first attempt'). Be careful not to confuse it with 再次 (zàicì), which means 'again'.

HSK Study Tips

While 初次 is not specifically listed in the HSK vocabulary, it relates closely to HSK Level 3 concepts of time and experience. Students should focus on its use in sentences and practice with related phrases that describe events or meetings.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 初次 by adding unnecessary words, such as saying '我初次见过你' (I have first met you), which is incorrect. The correct phrase is '我第一次见到你' (I see you for the first time).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 初次

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 初次, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 初次 to you

Let me explain 初次 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 初次 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 初次?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 初次 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

初chūat first
HSK 57 strokes刀
View full entry
次cìnext in sequence
HSK 26 strokes欠
View full entry

How to say for the first time in Chinese

“for the first time” in Chinese is初次chūcì

初次 (chūcì) means 'for the first time' and is commonly used to describe experiences, meetings, or attempts that occur for the first time. It emphasizes the novelty of the situation and can convey a sense of excitement or apprehension.

When to use 初次

初次 is typically used in informal contexts to describe personal experiences, so it may not be suitable for very formal writing. Common collocations include 初次见面 (chūcì jiànmiàn, 'first meeting') and 初次尝试 (chūcì chángshì, 'first attempt'). Be careful not to confuse it with 再次 (zàicì), which means 'again'.

初次 or something close to it

首次 (shǒucì) - use 初次 (chūcì) for a more casual or conversational tone, while 首次 (shǒucì) is often more formal or literary.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 初次 by adding unnecessary words, such as saying '我初次见过你' (I have first met you), which is incorrect. The correct phrase is '我第一次见到你' (I see you for the first time).

Write 初次

初
次

Practice writing 初次 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 初次?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 初次

You can say 初次见面, meaning 'nice to meet you for the first time'.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 初次?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab