首次

shǒucì

adverb HSK 6 #38,654

Meanings

The first time — used in formal contexts.

他首次参加国际比赛。

Tā shǒucì cānjiā guójì bǐsài.

He participated in an international competition for the first time.

这是我首次来中国。

Zhè shì wǒ shǒucì lái Zhōngguó.

This is my first time coming to China.

该公司首次公开募股。

Gāi gōngsī shǒucì gōngkāi mù gǔ.

The company had its initial public offering (IPO).

usage

首次 is more formal than 第一次. Use 第一次 in daily speech and 首次 in news, reports, and formal writing.

首 shǒu

次 cì