- shoya first night, first watch of the night, bridal night
Literary or formal term for a couple's first night together after marriage; rare in everyday speech.
二人は初夜を静かに迎えた。
Futari wa shoya o shizuka ni mukaeta.
The two quietly welcomed their first night together.
小説の初夜の場面は印象的だった。
Shōsetsu no shoya no bamen wa inshōteki datta.
The first-night scene in the novel was impressive.
⚖️ Not to be confused with 初夜 (shoya) meaning 'first watch of the night' in old timekeeping; context usually clarifies.
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