* 첫 번째 (cheot beonjjae): This is the most common and general way to say "first." It literally means "first number/order." This is suitable for most situations.
* 일등 (il-deung): This means "first place" or "first rank," and is used specifically for rankings or competitions.
* 처음 (cheoeum): This means "first time" or "beginning." It refers to the initial experience of something, not necessarily a numerical order.
Therefore, 첫 번째 (cheot beonjjae) is usually the best choice for a general translation of "first."