初めのうちは難しい。

beginning; start; outset; opening; first (in line, etc.); origin; such as ...; not to mention ...

indicates possessive; nominalizes verbs and adjectives; substitutes for "ga" in subordinate phrases; (at sentence-end, falling tone) indicates a confident conclusion; (at sentence-end) indicates emotional emphasis; (at sentence-end, rising tone) indicates question

house; home (one's own); (one's) family; (one's) household

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

difficult; hard; troublesome; complicated; serious (disease, problem, etc.); fussy; particular; fastidious; hard to please; displeased; gloomy; glum; sullen; serious (look); dirty; unclean; filthy; detestable; unpleasant; uncomfortable; creepy; spooky