Terminology of first partner Pokémon

This is the terminology of first partner Pokémon, explaining how terms such as "first partner Pokémon" and "starter Pokémon" are used in Pokémon media.
==English terminology==
===First partner Pokémon===
Since Generation VI, "first partner Pokémon" is the main term officially used in the Pokémon games, , , and other media.
Krysta Yang, a former public relations manager at Nintendo of America, has claimed that the phrase "partner Pokémon" is preferred in official communication due to "starter Pokémon" implying that the player will "be rid of them" later in the game.Nintendo's Big Announcement Season EXPLAINED - EP81 Kit & Krysta Podcast | Kit & Krysta on YouTube — Krysta Yang: "They did start using 'partner Pokémon' a couple of years back, but it's been hard for them to get people to catch on to this official terminology because people like to say 'starter Pokémon.' ... I think there was something about how, if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' you're basically saying that you will be rid of them. ...That was one of the reasons, I believe, is that if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' it's like, oh, you're only just going to start the game with it, and then you ditch it for your, like, shinies and your legendaries. ... So then the 'partner Pokémon' became the phrasing that they liked better because it's like, 'this is your partner for your whole adventure,' like you really want to get attached to this character, this Pokémon that you start your game with, but it's not just who you start your game with..."
====Definition====
The English online store pokemoncenter.com regularly uses first partner Pokémon to refer exclusively to the trios of Pokémon that can be chosen at the start of most core games, oftentimes excluding and by mentioning them separately. This separation of Pikachu from other first partner Pokémon was also present in a press release for the series' 25th anniversary.Pokémon Celebrates 25 Years With Massive Music Program and Activations Across the Franchise The website for refers to Pikachu and Eevee as both and first partner Pokémon.Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon Chloe's new Eevee was referred to as her first partner in To Train, or Not to Train!.Narrator: "Now that Eevee is Chloe's first partner, her adventures as a Pokémon Trainer have just begun!" (To Train, or Not to Train!)
Other Pokémon have occasionally been referred to as "first partner Pokémon". According to its Pokédex entry in Pokémon Ultra Sun, is chosen as a first partner in its world.Pokédex entry: This Ultra Beast is well enough liked to be chosen as a first partner in its own world. ()
In , "first partner Pokémon" refers to several Pokémon, including 's , 's , 's , and a female 's .
====In the core series games====
* The term "first partner" is used in in reference to the once used by Alder.Alder: "Well done! That was an impressive battle. The spirit of my first partner, Larvesta--no, Volcarona--lives on in my current partners, too!" () 
* The first usage of the term to refer to a Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game is in by a in Couriway Town. in Couriway Town: "Which Pokémon did you pick as your first partner?" () 
* In , the term is used by Professor Kukui to refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game.Professor Kukui: "Y’see, the fact of the matter is... one of these Pokémon will become your first partner, woo!" () 
* Nanu uses the term to refer to the three he presents to a little boy starting his island challenge.Nanu: "You’ll have to choose the Pokémon you want to have as your first partner." () 
* In , the back of the player's League Card denotes their first partner Pokémon using the full term. 
* The term is used by Professor Laventon in while the player is selecting their first partner Pokémon.Professor Laventon: "Do you want [Rowlet/Cyndaquil/Oshawott] as your first partner?" () 
* In , "first partner" is used by both Clavell and Rika to refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game.Clavell: "Have you decided which of these Pokémon you would like to be your first partner?" ()Rika: "What was the category of the Pokémon you chose to be your first partner?" ()
====In the spin-off games====
The term "first partner" is used occasionally in . For instance: "You might be familiar with the tradition in which a Pokémon Trainer selects their very first partner from a group of three Pokémon. These first-partner Pokémon are normally , or types."
====In the animated series====
The term "first partner Pokémon" is used multiple times in Pokémon Journeys: The Series and Pokémon Horizons: The Series.
====In the TCG====
* The first known usage of the term "first partner" related to the appears in marketing copy for the , which reads: "The Pokémon , , and all appear on special foil cards—you don’t have to pick just one to be your first partner!"Pokémon TCG: Hoenn Collection | Pokemon.com 
* Other TCG products would continue to refer to first partner Pokémon, such as the released during the Sword & Shield Series and the released during the Scarlet & Violet Series.
====In the guidebooks====
The following guidebooks published by Scholastic include "first partner" in their titles: First Partner Handbook (2017) and First Partner Basics (2018).
====In official marketing and promotional materials====
On official sites:
* The official website for refers to , , and as "the three Pokémon from which you may choose your first partner" and "the Pokémon that will become your first partner."Story | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website, archived October 6, 2014 on Internet ArchiveProfessor Birch | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website, archived October 18, 2014 on Internet Archive 
* On the official website for , the page "Kahunas Lead Each Island" states that Hala "gives you your first partner Pokémon."Kahunas Lead Each Island | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived October 26, 2016 on Internet Archive 
* The "Pokémon" page on the official website for states "Your first partner will be one of these three Pokémon" beneath an image of the Alola first partner Pokémon.Pokémon | Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon Official Website, archived October 21, 2017 on Internet Archive 
* The official websites for , , , and all refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game as first partner Pokémon.The Evolutions of the three first partner Pokémon revealed! | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Official WebsitePokémon Trainer Fundamentals | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl Official WebsitePokémon | Pokémon Legends: Arceus Official WebsiteCatching Pokémon in Paldea | Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Official Website 
* The pages for , Sword and Shield, and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl on the official Pokémon website all refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game as first partner Pokémon.Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | The Official Pokémon WebsitePokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | The Official Pokémon WebsitePokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | The Official Pokémon Website 
* The page for Scarlet and Violet refers to these Pokémon as "your first partner".Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | The Official Pokémon Website
In presentations:
* The first Pokémon Direct to use the phrase "first partner Pokémon" was the Pokémon Direct that aired on September 4, 2013.Pokémon Direct 9.4.2013 | Nintendo of America on YouTube — Junichi Masuda: "However, in , your first partner Pokémon, , , or , won't be given to you by the professor, but by your friend instead. Then, you'll receive a different Pokémon from the professor later on. What you get from the professor is one of the partner Pokémon from the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue: , , and . So you get either Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie, the Pokémon X and Y starters, plus Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle to take with you on your journey." 
* Two Pokémon Directs promoting , aired on February 27, 2019 and June 5, 2019, used the phrases "first partner" and "first partner Pokémon" respectively to refer to the Pokémon chosen at the beginning of the game.Pokémon Direct 2.27.2019 | Nintendo of America on YouTube — Shigeru Ohmori: "Here in this region, you'll visit Gyms with the newly-discovered Pokémon you choose to be your first partner, aiming for the enviable and admirable title of Champion."Pokémon Direct 6.5.2019 | Nintendo of America on YouTube — Junichi Masuda: "After choosing , , or as your first partner Pokémon, you will embark on an adventure to become the Champion." 
* The Pokémon Presents that aired on February 26, 2021 referred to the Pokémon chosen at the start of both and as first partner Pokémon.Pokémon Presents | #Pokemon25 | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel — Narrator: "You'll set out on your journey after choosing either , , or as your first partner Pokémon."Pokémon Presents | #Pokemon25 | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel — Narrator: "You'll set out on your adventure after receiving a first partner Pokémon of your own from this professor." 
* The Pokémon Presents promoting the release of that aired on August 3, 2022 referred to , , and as "the Pokémon from which you'll choose your first partner."Pokémon Presents | 8.3.2022 | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel — Narrator: "Of course, we also have the Pokémon from which you'll choose your first partner: , , and ."
In press releases:
* A press release announcing refers to , , and as Pokémon chosen to be a "first partner."New Pokémon Adventures Coming to Nintendo Switch in Late 2019 
* In the press release announcing and , the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of those games are referred to as "first partner Pokémon".Pokémon Announces New Video Games Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus 
* A press release announcing the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition refers to , , and as "three Pokémon you can choose as your first partners in the game,"Nintendo Announces Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition, Launching This November while a press release promoting the then-upcoming release of referred to them fully as "first partner Pokémon".Nintendo Download: The World of Pokémon Has Evolved!
===Partner Pokémon===
The term "partner" or "partner Pokémon" is sometimes used to refer to first partner Pokémon on official websites and in promotional materials.
* The official website for referred to the Kanto first partner Pokémon as "classic partner Pokémon".Classic Partner Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website, archived November 27, 2013 on Internet Archive 
* The pages for , , and on the official website refer to each of these Pokémon as "your partner."Rowlet | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived September 4, 2016 on Internet ArchiveLitten | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived September 4, 2016 on Internet ArchivePopplio | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived September 6, 2016 on Internet Archive 
* The Pokémon Direct on September 4, 2013 referred to the Kanto first partners as "the partner Pokémon from the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue." The term "partner Pokémon" is also used in an official video promoting Pokémon Sun and Moon. 
* A press release detailing a promotional event for referred to the Paldea first partner Pokémon as "the partner Pokémon".Photos of the Official Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Partner Pokémon Debut at Nintendo NY Store Are Available on Business Wire’s Website
===Starter Pokémon===
The earliest known official usage of "starter Pokémon" was on page 5 of #6 (January 1999). It is also used on page 102 of Nintendo Power #180 (June 2004).
====In the core series games====
The core series games seldom refer to "starter Pokémon" or "starters". 
* In , the term is referenced in one of the questions from the Passerby Analytics HQ."What's your starter Pokémon?" and is described in the following quote: "This survey is... a request from a Pokémon Professor. You need to find out the most popular starter Pokémon." 
* In , the "Starters" battle background features , , and . 
====In the animated series====
The term "starter Pokémon" was used to refer to the regional first partner Pokémon trios in Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire.Professor Birch: "Great! Team Rocket's just gotten away with SIX Starter Pokémon. The reserved ones." (A Six Pack Attack!) : "They're evolved forms of the starter Pokémon from Pallet Town." / : "Who wouldn't want da fiorst evolution a' t'ree starter Pokeymon?!!" (Judgment Day!) Diamond and Pearl.Professor Rowan: "You must be a new Trainer, since you've got that postcard. Why don't you come with me to my lab and get your starter Pokémon?" (Following A Maiden's Voyage!)Ash: "Sure is! Pretty sure it's a Sinnoh region starter Pokémon!" (Gettin' Twiggy With It!)Ash: "Then that means you chose a Piplup for your starter Pokémon" (Getting the Pre-Contest Titters!) and Black & White.Professor Oak: "You see, Ash, one of Professor Juniper's numerous duties is to give all new trainers from the Unova region their starter Pokémon." Ash: "Awesome! Starter Pokémon!" (In the Shadow of Zekrom!)Ash: "A Tepig! That's one of the three starter Pokémon a new trainer can choose." (The Battle Club and Tepig's Choice!)Ash: "Hey, that's a Snivy! It's one of the three starter Pokémon you can get in the Unova region." (Snivy Plays Hard to Catch!)Nanette: "Is it true? I can get a starter Pokémon for free?" / Cilan: "Since you're the cautious type, why not choose that lively Tepig for your starter?" (New Places...Familiar Faces!)Professor Oak: "First off, I'm wondering if any of you know the names of the three types of starter Pokémon a brand-new Trainer may choose from in the Kanto region..." [...] "I hope you enjoyed the starter Pokémon from the Kanto region." /Ash: "Here come the starter Pokémon!" (The Fires of a Red-Hot Reunion!) The first episode to use the term was the Ruby and Sapphire episode A Six Pack Attack!. 
Starting in Pokémon the Series: XY, the term "starter Pokémon" fell out of use entirely. At a panel at PokéCon 2015, then-voice director of the English dub of Pokémon the Series, Tom Wayland, stated that the term is "an unofficial term now", and it is not used in the show anymore.PokéCon 2015 - Tom Wayland on How He Creates Pokémon Voices: Wayland: "Chespin is the... your Grass-type starter in XY. Even though "starter" is an unofficial term now."Audience: "I think it's always been an unofficial term."Wayland: "Nope. They used to say it in the show, now they don't."
In 2019, Sonja Hammes, then a social media associate at The Pokémon Company International,Sonja Hammes on LinkedIn stated that official social media accounts had been given authorization to use the phrase "starter Pokémon," provided that the phrase was not capitalized as "Starter Pokémon" or abbreviated as "starters."Sonja Hammes on Twitter: "P.S. We can call them starter on social now"Sonja Hammes on Twitter: "Of course, there are RULES. It’s “starter Pokémon”. No capital S. No “starters”. Gotta keep the standards!"
====In the TCG====
, which included "Starter Figures" and cards featuring the Unova first partner Pokémon, were released during the Black & White Series of the .
====In official marketing and promotional materials====
On official sites:
* The official sites for , , and all refer to their respective first partner trios as "starter Pokémon".Pokémon | Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version Official Website, archived February 7, 2012 on Internet ArchiveStarter Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website, archived December 5, 2013 on Internet ArchiveStarter Pokémon | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website, archived October 17, 2014 on Internet Archive 
* The official website for sorts the pages for , , and under the tag "starter"Pokémon | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived September 6, 2016 on Internet Archive and the section on the "Cool Features" page that links to the "Introducing Z-Moves" page uses the title "Exclusive Z-Moves for Starter Pokémon."Cool Features | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived June 11, 2017 on Internet Archive] 
* On the official website for , a hidden comment reads: "Looping video showcasing in-game footage of starter Pokémon Sprigatito, Quaxly, and Fuecoco."Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet - Pokémon.com 
* On the official Pokémon website, the page detailing features artwork of the Hoenn first partner Pokémon captioned "Which starter Pokémon will you choose?"Pokémon Emerald Version | The Official Pokémon Website 
* The term "starter Pokémon" is also mentioned in an official article about ."[...] the stickers are of Paldea’s starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly." Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet bring Paldean flavor to Pokémon Unite - Pokémon.com
In presentations:
* The Pokémon Direct on September 4, 2013, referred to the Kalos first partner Pokémon as "the Pokémon X and Y starters." The term "starter Pokémon" was used in the titles and descriptions of videos promoting the release of .Discover the Final Evolutions of the Starter Pokémon in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channelStarter Pokémon for Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Revealed! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel 
* "Evolved starter Pokémon" appeared at the start of a video promoting the Gigantamax forms from the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass.More Gigantamax action comes to the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel 
* The term "starter" was used in a video promoting in reference to the final evolved forms of the Hisui first partner Pokémon.Hisuian. Final. Starter. Evolutions. | Pokémon Legends: Arceus | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel
===Other terminology===
In some cases, first partner Pokémon are referred to descriptively, or with terminology that has not been consistently used since.
* In Pokémon Gold and Silver: Official Nintendo Player's Guide, the guidebook tells the player to "Choose a starting Pokémon from Professor Elm's lab".
* On the official Pokémon website, the page detailing previously stated: "At the start of your expedition, you'll have the option to choose one of three starting Pokémon: Cyndaquil, Totodile, or Chikorita."Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver Version | The Official Pokémon Website, archived November 6, 2015 on Internet Archive
* In The Official Pokémon Handbook: Deluxe Edition, Professor Oak says: "I supply many trainers with their first Pokémon. Usually, I let them choose between four beginning Pokémon — , , , and sometimes ."
* On the Pokémon.com page for the Pokémon Center New York's Gotta catch 'em all! Station distributions in Generation II, the Kanto and Johto first partner Pokémon are referred to as the "initial three" (sometimes capitalized the "Initial Three")."The Kanto Initial Three Pokémon The following Pokémon were the initial three from Kanto, all RARE color, plus a rare Mew!" Catch Celebi!, Catch Them If You Can"The Johto Initial Three Pokémon The following Pokémon were the initial three from Johto, all RARE color, and all at AP 40, with two new RARE color Pokémon included!" Catch Celebi!"The Initial Three Set During this week, you can try to catch one RARE color of the Initial Three, and one NORMAL color of the Initial Three with these powers attached." Catch Them If You Can
*In Pokémon GO, Rhi refers to as a "first partner companion".Rhi: "In my world, this Ultra Beast is liked well enough to be chosen as a first partner companion."
In other cases, a Trainer's first Pokémon is simply referred to as such. 
* In the first episode of Pokémon the Series, asks : "You got your first Pokémon?" 
* Other instances have occurred on official Pokémon websites.Pokémon Platinum Version | The Official Pokémon Website: "Will you choose Piplup, Chimchar, or Turtwig as your first Pokémon?" Your First Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website, archived December 7, 2013 on Internet Archive 
* In official guidebooks:
** "When it's time to pick their first Pokémon, their choices are:", followed by the images and names of , , and . (The Official Pokémon Advanced Handbook 4) 
** "To help him, Prof. Birch allows you to select one of the three Poké Balls in his bag. This will be your first Pokémon." (Pokémon Emerald: Official Nintendo Player's Guide, page 19)
==Japanese terminology==
In contrast to the English terminology, Japanese media is not known to prefer any particular way of referring to first partner Pokémon. Most commonly, パートナー (partner) will be used, but occasionally 相棒 (partner) may also be used. This is usually paired with 最初の (first) or 初めての (first), but there may also be some variations on this like 最初に選んだ (that was chosen first) or はじめに選んだ (that was chosen first). Notably, Japanese marketing has fewer promotions highlighting first partner Pokémon than English marketing. Among fans, 御三家 (the big three) refers to the Grass, Fire, and Water trios.
===Partner===
In the Japanese manuals of , Professor Elm refers to the Johto first partner Pokémon as パートナー (partner).
*: Japanese dialogue:「きなポケモンを1、パートナーとしてれていくといいよ」 (1 Pokémon that you like, take it as your partner).
*: English dialogue: "Choose one of these Pokémon to take along with you." In the intro of , Professor Juniper refers to the player's first partner Pokémon in Japanese as the 「旅の　パートナー」 (travel partner).
==See also==
* First partner Pokémon
==References==
First partner Pokémon