て初めて

Meaning & usage

Not until; only after; for the first time | A phrase which expresses the idea that someone does something or something happens only after something else happens or something else is done.

Example sentences 5

1. アメリカへ来て初めて竜巻を見た。

   It was not until I came to America that I saw a tornado.

2. 日本で生活して初めて日本人のものの考え方が分かってきた。

   It was not until I lived in Japan that I started to understand how Japanese people think.

3. 日本語を勉強して初めて外国語を学ぶ面白さを知った。

   I didn't realise how interesting learning a foreign language was until I studied Japanese.

4. 生まれて初めて刺身を食べた。

   I ate sashimi for the first time in my life.

5. 病気になって初めて健康の有り難さが分かる。

   It is only after you become ill that you realise the value of health.