'처음' means the starting point in time or the very first occurrence of something. It refers to the earliest point in a sequence or the first time an experience or action happens.
Nuances
- Emphasizes the starting point in time
- Indicates the first experience or occurrence
- Refers to the initial stage of a process
When to use
Daily conversation, Workplace, School life
In context
‘처음’ functions as a noun meaning 'the first time' or 'beginning', and often as an adverb in phrases like ‘처음에’ (at first) or ‘처음부터’ (from the beginning). It is widely used in both everyday conversation and formal writing.
