Noun にして初めて JLPT N1

Formation

Noun + にして初めて

Explanation

The phrase Noun にして初めて is used to express a sense of realization or experience that only came about or was felt after reaching that particular stage or status. In English, it could be translated as 'only when/after... for the first time'.

Example sentences

• 大人にして初めて、親の苦労が分かった。

  Only when I became an adult did I understand my parents' struggles for the first time.

  Otona ni shite hajimete, oya no kurou ga wakatta.

• 彼は40歳にして初めて、海外旅行を経験した。

  Only when he turned 40 did he travel abroad for the first time.

  Kare wa yonjuu-sai ni shite hajimete, kaigai ryokou o keiken shita.

• 彼女は親にして初めて、子育ての大変さを理解した。

  It was only after she became a parent that she realized how challenging raising a child can be.

  Kanojo wa oya ni shite hajimete, kosodate no taihensa o rikai shita.

• 社長にして初めて、会社全体の重責を痛感した。

  Only when he became president did he feel the full weight of responsibility for the entire company.

  Shachou ni shite hajimete, kaisha zentai no juuseki o tsuukan shita.