小説はまず成功だった。

小説はまず成功だった。

All in all, the novel was a success.

小説(しょうせつ)はまず成功(せいこう)だった。

Shōsetsu wa mazu seikō datta.

小説 (しょうせつ)

novel; (short) story

は (は)

topic marker particle; indicates contrast with another option (stated or unstated); adds emphasis

先ず (まず)

first (of all); to start with; about; almost; anyway; well; now; hardly (with neg. verb)

成功 (せいこう)

success; hit

だ (だ)

be; is; indicates past or completed action; indicates light imperative

Readings: ショウ、ちい.さい、こ-、お-、さ-

Meanings: little, small

Readings: セツ、ゼイ、と.く

Meanings: opinion, theory, explanation, rumor

Readings: セイ、ジョウ、な.る、な.す、 -な.す

Meanings: turn into, become, get, grow, elapse, reach

Readings: コウ、ク、いさお

Meanings: achievement, merits, success, honor, credit