The Japanese word mazu, pronounced "MAHt-zoo", is translated to mean "first", or "in the first place", as well as "about" and "almost", depending on the context.
Japanese Characters
まず
Example
Mazu shukudai o shite kara, asobinasai.
まず宿題をしてから、遊びなさい。
Translation: Finish your homework first, then play.
