初回

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 初回 is read as しょかい and is a noun for the first session or occurrence in a course, event, procedure, or other repeated series.
• Basic usage: The first session of a course appears in 講座の初回, while something being free only for the first session appears in 初回だけ無料になる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The first of countable sessions
  • It is used for the first class, visit, use, or event when later numbered occasions can follow.
• Difference from 最初
  • Unlike the broad word for the beginning of an order or process, this term specifically marks the first countable session or occurrence.