22 Japanese ways to say “There’s a first time for everything”

We all know that feeling—trying something new can be a little scary, but also exciting. In Japanese, there are plenty of warm, relatable ways to express the idea that “there’s a first time for everything.”

Whether you’re encouraging a friend, reflecting on your own experiences, or just want to sound a bit more native, these phrases have you covered.

Each one brings a unique flavor, from casual chats to more formal expressions, and even some fun, native-like twists.

Learning these can help you connect better, sound natural, and embrace new experiences with confidence.

Curious? Let’s dive into 22 ways to say “There’s a first time for everything” in Japanese.

Ready to add some warmth and authenticity to your conversations? Let’s get started!

Warm-Up: Understanding the Idea

Before we jump in, it’s good to know that Japanese often expresses “there’s a first time for everything” with phrases that highlight “new experiences” or “beginnings.”

Many expressions focus on the idea of “first time” (初めて, hajimete) or encourage trying things without fear.

These phrases often carry a positive, hopeful vibe, perfect for motivating yourself or others.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

It’s all about embracing the moment and knowing that trying something new is part of life’s adventure.

Now, let’s explore some practical, warm, and easy-to-use expressions!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 初めてだからしょうがない (Hajimete dakara shouganai) – “It can’t be helped since it’s the first time.”

This phrase is a gentle way to accept that mistakes or awkwardness happen the first time you try something.

It breaks down as 初めて (hajimete) meaning “first time,” だから (dakara) meaning “because,” and しょうがない (shouganai) meaning “can’t be helped.”

Use it to comfort yourself or others when starting something new.

It reminds us that being imperfect the first time is totally okay.

You might hear this in casual conversations when someone’s nervous about a new experience.

It’s a warm, understanding phrase perfect for everyday encouragement.

2. 一度はやってみるべき (Ichido wa yatte miru beki) – “You should try it at least once.”

This phrase encourages giving something a try, emphasizing “at least once.”

一度 (ichido) means “once,” やってみる (yatte miru) means “try doing,” and べき (beki) means “should.”

It’s a motivational way to say “there’s a first time for everything.”

Great for nudging friends to step out of their comfort zones.

A common mistake is to forget べき, which adds the “should” meaning, making it sound less like a suggestion.

Try using it in casual chats when inviting someone to try new things!

3. 初めてのことは誰でも緊張する (Hajimete no koto wa daredemo kinchou suru) – “Everyone gets nervous at first.”

This phrase acknowledges the common feeling of nervousness when trying something new.

初めてのこと (hajimete no koto) means “first time things,” 誰でも (daredemo) means “anyone,” and 緊張する (kinchou suru) means “to get nervous.”

It’s a relatable way to normalize first-time jitters.

Perfect for reassuring yourself or others.

When you want to be empathetic, this phrase hits just the right note.

Try it next time you or a friend is starting something unfamiliar!

4. 新しいことは楽しもう (Atarashii koto wa tanoshimou) – “Let’s enjoy new things.”

This upbeat phrase encourages a positive attitude towards new experiences.

新しいこと (atarashii koto) means “new things,” and 楽しもう (tanoshimou) is the volitional form of “enjoy,” meaning “let’s enjoy.”

It’s simple, casual, and full of warmth.

A great mindset to remember when facing new challenges.

Often used among friends or in informal settings.

Give it a try to brighten your outlook!

5. 今がその時だよ (Ima ga sono toki da yo) – “Now is the time.”

This phrase is a gentle push to seize the moment.

今 (ima) means “now,” その時 (sono toki) means “that time,” and だよ (da yo) adds an emphatic, friendly touch.

Use it to remind yourself or others that the first time is happening right now.

It’s casual and motivating.

Try pairing it with other phrases for extra encouragement.

It’s perfect for a quick, warm nudge to take action.

6. 失敗は成功のもと (Shippai wa seikou no moto) – “Failure is the foundation of success.”

This classic proverb comforts those who fear first-time mistakes.

失敗 (shippai) means “failure,” 成功 (seikou) means “success,” and もと (moto) means “source” or “foundation.”

It’s a hopeful reminder that mistakes lead to growth.

Often used in both casual and semi-formal contexts.

Great for encouraging perseverance.

Perfect to remember when trying something new!

7. だれでも初めは初心者 (Dare demo hajime wa shoshinsha) – “Everyone is a beginner at first.”

This phrase normalizes being new at something.

だれでも (dare demo) means “anyone,” 初め (hajime) means “start,” and 初心者 (shoshinsha) means “beginner.”

It’s a comforting phrase to ease first-time worries.

Commonly used in casual, encouraging conversations.

Helpful when teaching or coaching others.

Use it to remind yourself and others that everyone has to start somewhere.

8. 何事も経験 (Nanigoto mo keiken) – “Everything is experience.”

This short phrase highlights the value of all experiences, especially first times.

何事も (nanigoto mo) means “everything,” and 経験 (keiken) means “experience.”

It’s a concise, encouraging way to appreciate new challenges.

Often used to inspire a positive mindset.

Easy to remember and apply in daily life.

Try it when reflecting on new adventures!

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 初めての経験には意味がある (Hajimete no keiken ni wa imi ga aru) – “A first experience has meaning.”

This polite phrase emphasizes the value behind first experiences.

初めての経験 (hajimete no keiken) means “first experience,” 意味がある (imi ga aru) means “has meaning.”

It’s formal and thoughtful, suitable for speeches or writing.

Great for highlighting personal growth.

Can be used in professional or respectful conversations.

Perfect when you want to express gratitude or reflection.

10. 失敗を恐れず挑戦しよう (Shippai o osorezu chousen shiyou) – “Let’s challenge ourselves without fearing failure.”

This encourages courage in new endeavors.

失敗を恐れず (shippai o osorezu) means “without fearing failure,” 挑戦しよう (chousen shiyou) means “let’s challenge.”

It’s polite but motivating.

Ideal for leadership or mentoring contexts.

Reminds us that first tries are part of growth.

Use it to inspire teams or friends.

11. 初めてのことは学びのチャンスです (Hajimete no koto wa manabi no chansu desu) – “First times are learning opportunities.”

This phrase formalizes the idea of first experiences as chances to learn.

学びのチャンス (manabi no chansu) means “learning chance,” です (desu) adds politeness.

It’s respectful and educational.

Suitable for classroom or work conversations.

Encourages a growth mindset.

Great to use when teaching or giving advice.

12. 初めてだからこそ新鮮です (Hajimete dakara koso shinsen desu) – “It’s fresh precisely because it’s the first time.”

This phrase highlights the freshness and excitement of new experiences.

新鮮 (shinsen) means “fresh,” だからこそ (dakara koso) means “precisely because.”

Polite and poetic.

Perfect for formal conversations with a warm tone.

Use it to express appreciation for new beginnings.

It adds a positive spin on first-time nerves.

13. 初めての挑戦は価値があります (Hajimete no chousen wa kachi ga arimasu) – “First challenges have value.”

This phrase affirms the importance of trying new things.

価値があります (kachi ga arimasu) means “has value.”

It’s formal and affirming.

Great for speeches or professional encouragement.

Use it to praise efforts and courage.

Perfect for inspiring confidence in others.

14. 何事も最初が肝心です (Nanigoto mo saisho ga kanjin desu) – “The first time is crucial for everything.”

This phrase underscores the importance of the first try.

肝心 (kanjin) means “crucial” or “essential.”

It’s polite and a bit serious.

Good for formal advice or instruction.

Reminds us to give our best at the start.

Useful in educational or professional settings.

15. 初めての経験が人生を豊かにします (Hajimete no keiken ga jinsei o yutakani shimasu) – “First experiences enrich life.”

This phrase expresses the enriching power of new experiences.

豊かにします (yutakani shimasu) means “enrich.”

Very polite and uplifting.

Perfect for formal speeches or writing.

Great for reflecting on growth.

Use it to inspire gratitude for new adventures.

16. はじめてのことに挑む勇気を持とう (Hajimete no koto ni idomu yuuki o motou) – “Let’s have courage to take on first times.”

This phrase calls for bravery in new experiences.

挑む (idomu) means “to take on” or “challenge,” 勇気 (yuuki) means “courage.”

Polite and inspiring.

Use it to encourage yourself or others before new tasks.

Perfect for motivational talks or messages.

Great for boosting confidence before a first try.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 何でも初めてがあるさ (Nandemo hajimete ga aru sa) – “Everything has a first time.”

This phrase is very casual and comforting.

なんでも (nandemo) means “anything/everything,” がある (ga aru) means “there is.”

Adding さ (sa) at the end gives a friendly, conversational tone.

It’s perfect for chatting with friends.

Use it to casually reassure someone nervous about trying something new.

It’s a common, native-sounding phrase that’s easy to remember.

18. まぁ、初めてだしね (Maa, hajimete dashi ne) – “Well, it’s the first time, after all.”

This phrase is casual and a bit playful.

まぁ (maa) is like “well,” だしね (dashi ne) adds a casual explanatory tone.

Great for lightening the mood.

Perfect when someone feels awkward about their first attempt.

Use it among close friends or family.

It’s a natural way to say “it’s okay because it’s the first time.”

19. 初めてだからこそ面白い (Hajimete dakara koso omoshiroi) – “It’s interesting because it’s the first time.”

This phrase highlights the fun side of first times.

面白い (omoshiroi) means “interesting” or “fun.”

It’s casual but positive.

Use it to celebrate new experiences.

Great to encourage trying something unknown.

It’s a phrase that captures the excitement of the first try.

20. 失敗しても大丈夫 (Shippai shitemo daijoubu) – “It’s okay even if you fail.”

A very casual, reassuring phrase.

失敗しても (shippai shitemo) means “even if you fail,” 大丈夫 (daijoubu) means “it’s okay.”

Perfect for comforting friends or yourself.

Use it anytime someone fears messing up their first try.

It’s simple, clear, and widely used.

Great for everyday encouragement.

21. まずはやってみよう (Mazu wa yatte miyou) – “First, let’s just try.”

This phrase is a natural, casual way to encourage action.

まずは (mazu wa) means “first,” やってみよう (yatte miyou) means “let’s try.”

It’s friendly and motivating.

Use it to push yourself or friends to start something new.

Great for informal conversations and daily motivation.

It’s short and easy to remember!

22. 初めてでも大丈夫だよ (Hajimete demo daijoubu dayo) – “It’s okay even if it’s your first time.”

This phrase is very warm and supportive.

でも (demo) means “even if,” だよ (dayo) adds a friendly emphasis.

Perfect for reassuring nervous beginners.

Use it to build confidence in casual settings.

It’s a phrase full of kindness and acceptance.

Great for everyday encouragement and support.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 22 Japanese expressions shows just how rich and warm the language can be when talking about first experiences.

Whether casual, formal, or somewhere in between, there’s a phrase here for every situation to help you embrace new challenges with confidence.

Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and there’s beauty in every first step. So go ahead, try something new—you’ve got this!