View source for Terminology of first partner Pokémon

[[File:First Partner Pokémon Abound.png|thumb|300px|Promotional image for [[The Indigo Disk]] using the term "first partner Pokémon"<ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-gb/news/first_partner_pokemon/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Familiar First Partner Pokémon].</ref>]]
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]], {{pkmn|anime|animated series}}, {{Trading Card Game}}, 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.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqQEFEjLybE&t=6120s 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..."''</ref>

====Definition====
The English online store [http://pokemoncenter.com 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 {{p|Pikachu}} and {{p|Eevee}} 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.<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210113005554/en/Pokémon-Celebrates-25-Years-With-Massive-Music-Program-and-Activations-Across-the-Franchise Pokémon Celebrates 25 Years With Massive Music Program and Activations Across the Franchise]</ref> The website for {{LGPE}} refers to Pikachu and Eevee as both {{OBP|partner Pokémon|Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!}} and first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://pokemonletsgo.pokemon.com/en-us/story/ Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon]</ref> [[Chloe]]'s new Eevee was referred to as her first partner in ''[[JN049|To Train, or Not to Train!]]''.<ref>[[Narrator]]: ''"Now that Eevee is [[Chloe]]'s first partner, her adventures as a Pokémon Trainer have just begun!"'' (''[[JN049|To Train, or Not to Train!]]'')</ref>

Other Pokémon have occasionally been referred to as "first partner Pokémon". According to its Pokédex entry in [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun]], {{p|Poipole}} is chosen as a first partner in its world.<ref>[[Pokédex]] entry: ''This Ultra Beast is well enough liked to be chosen as a first partner in its own world.'' ({{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun}})</ref>

In {{g|Masters EX}}, "first partner Pokémon" refers to several Pokémon, including {{mas|Alder}}'s {{p|Volcarona}}, {{mas|Anabel}}'s {{p|Snorlax}}, {{mas|Ash}}'s {{AP|Pikachu}}, and a female {{tc|Rising Star}}'s {{p|Torchic}}.

====In the core series games====
* The term "first partner" is used in {{B2W2}} in reference to the {{p|Volcarona}} once used by [[Alder]].<ref>Alder: ''"Well done! That was an impressive battle. The spirit of my first partner, Larvesta--no, Volcarona--lives on in my current partners, too!"'' ({{B2W2}})</ref> 
* The first usage of the term to refer to a Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game is in {{g|X and Y}} by a {{tc|Beauty}} in [[Couriway Town]].<ref>{{tc|Beauty}} in [[Couriway Town]]: ''"Which Pokémon did you pick as your first partner?"'' ({{g|X and Y}})</ref> 
* In {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}, the term is used by [[Professor Kukui]] to refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game.<ref>[[Professor Kukui]]: ''"Y’see, the fact of the matter is... one of these Pokémon will become your first partner, woo!"'' ({{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}})</ref> 
* [[Nanu]] uses the term to refer to the three {{p|Meowth}} he presents to a little boy starting his [[island challenge]].<ref>[[Nanu]]: ''"You’ll have to choose the Pokémon you want to have as your first partner."'' ({{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}})</ref> 
* In {{g|Sword and Shield}}, 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 {{g|Legends: Arceus}} while the player is selecting their first partner Pokémon.<ref>[[Professor Laventon]]: ''"Do you want [Rowlet/Cyndaquil/Oshawott] as your first partner?"'' ({{g|Legends: Arceus}})</ref> 
* In {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}, "first partner" is used by both [[Clavell]] and [[Rika]] to refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game.<ref>[[Clavell]]: ''"Have you decided which of these Pokémon you would like to be your first partner?"'' ({{g|Scarlet and Violet}})</ref><ref>[[Rika]]: ''"What was the category of the Pokémon you chose to be your first partner?"'' ({{g|Scarlet and Violet}})</ref>

====In the spin-off games====
The term "first partner" is used occasionally in {{g|GO}}. 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 {{t|Fire}}, {{t|Water}} or {{t|Grass}} 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 {{Trading Card Game}} appears in marketing copy for the {{DL|XY TCG Series merchandise|Hoenn Collection}}, which reads: ''"The Pokémon {{p|Treecko}}, {{p|Torchic}}, and {{p|Mudkip}} all appear on special foil cards—you don’t have to pick just one to be your first partner!"''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/pokemon-tcg-hoenn-collection Pokémon TCG: Hoenn Collection | Pokemon.com]</ref> 
* Other TCG products would continue to refer to first partner Pokémon, such as the {{DL|Sword & Shield TCG Series merchandise|First Partner Packs}} released during the Sword & Shield Series and the {{DL|Scarlet & Violet TCG Series merchandise|January 2024 Pokémon Center accessories|First Partner Power merchandise}} released during the Scarlet & Violet Series.

====In the guidebooks====
[[File:First Partner Handbook.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''[[First Partner Handbook]]'']]
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 {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}} refers to {{p|Treecko}}, {{p|Torchic}}, and {{p|Mudkip}} as ''"the three Pokémon from which you may choose your first partner"'' and ''"the Pokémon that will become your first partner."''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141020141357/http://www.pokemonrubysapphire.com/en-us/story Story | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website], archived October 6, 2014 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141018095559/http://www.pokemonrubysapphire.com/en-us/characters/professor-birch Professor Birch | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website], archived October 18, 2014 on Internet Archive</ref> 
* On the official website for {{g|Sun and Moon}}, the page "Kahunas Lead Each Island" states that [[Hala]] "gives you your first partner Pokémon."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161026111243/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/aug-1-kahuna Kahunas Lead Each Island | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived October 26, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref> 
* The "Pokémon" page on the official website for {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}} states ''"Your first partner will be one of these three Pokémon"'' beneath an image of the Alola first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171021234159/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/ultra/en-us/gallery.html Pokémon | Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon Official Website], archived October 21, 2017 on Internet Archive</ref> 
* The official websites for {{g|Sword and Shield}}, {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, and {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} all refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game as first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon-galar-region/first-partner-pokemon/evolution/ The Evolutions of the three first partner Pokémon revealed! | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Official Website]</ref><ref>[https://diamondpearl.pokemon.com/en-us/trainersguide/fundamentals/ Pokémon Trainer Fundamentals | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl Official Website]</ref><ref>[https://legends.arceus.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon/ Pokémon | Pokémon Legends: Arceus Official Website]</ref><ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/trainers-guide/catching-pokemon-in-paldea/ Catching Pokémon in Paldea | Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Official Website]</ref> 
* The pages for {{LGPE}}, 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.<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-pokemon-lets-go-eevee Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref><ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref><ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-and-pokemon-shining-pearl Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref> 
* The page for Scarlet and Violet refers to these Pokémon as "your first partner".<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-scarlet-and-pokemon-violet Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref>

In presentations:
* The first [[Pokémon Presents|Pokémon Direct]] to use the phrase "first partner Pokémon" was the Pokémon Direct that aired on September 4, 2013.<ref name = presents913>[https://youtu.be/fbqkqdfrfes&t=727 Pokémon Direct 9.4.2013 | Nintendo of America on YouTube] — [[Junichi Masuda]]: "''However, in {{g|X and Y}}, your first partner Pokémon, {{p|Chespin}}, {{p|Fennekin}}, or {{p|Froakie}}, 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 Blue Versions|Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue]]: {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, and {{p|Squirtle}}. 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.''"</ref> 
* Two Pokémon Directs promoting {{g|Sword and Shield}}, 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.<ref>[https://youtu.be/oOPVBm0sA7Q&t=313 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.''"</ref><ref>[https://youtu.be/PpjVUOJkX&t=217 Pokémon Direct 6.5.2019 | Nintendo of America on YouTube] — [[Junichi Masuda]]: "''After choosing {{p|Grookey}}, {{p|Scorbunny}}, or {{p|Sobble}} as your first partner Pokémon, you will embark on an adventure to become the Champion.''"</ref> 
* The [[Pokémon Presents]] that aired on February 26, 2021 referred to the Pokémon chosen at the start of both {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}} and {{g|Legends: Arceus}} as first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://iTZeVNwAmkk&t=975 Pokémon Presents | #Pokemon25 | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel] — Narrator: "''You'll set out on your journey after choosing either {{p|Turtwig}}, {{p|Chimchar}}, or {{p|Piplup}} as your first partner Pokémon.''"</ref><ref>[https://iTZeVNwAmkk&t=1095 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.''"</ref> 
* The Pokémon Presents promoting the release of {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} that aired on August 3, 2022 referred to {{p|Sprigatito}}, {{p|Fuecoco}}, and {{p|Quaxly}} as "the Pokémon from which you'll choose your first partner."<ref>[https://ojiBuA97rdc&t=924s 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: {{p|Sprigatito}}, {{p|Fuecoco}}, and {{p|Quaxly}}.''"</ref>

In press releases:
* A press release announcing {{g|Sword and Shield}} refers to {{p|Grookey}}, {{p|Scorbunny}}, and {{p|Sobble}} as Pokémon chosen to be a "first partner."<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190227005542/en/New-Pokémon-Adventures-Coming-to-Nintendo-Switch-in-Late-2019 New Pokémon Adventures Coming to Nintendo Switch in Late 2019]</ref> 
* In the press release announcing {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}} and {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of those games are referred to as "first partner Pokémon".<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210226005438/en/Pokémon-Announces-New-Video-Games-Pokémon-Brilliant-Diamond-Pokémon-Shining-Pearl-and-Pokémon-Legends-Arceus Pokémon Announces New Video Games ''Pokémon Brilliant Diamond'', ''Pokémon Shining Pearl'', and ''Pokémon Legends: Arceus'']</ref> 
* A press release announcing the [[Nintendo Switch – OLED Model|Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition]] refers to {{p|Sprigatito}}, {{p|Fuecoco}}, and {{p|Quaxly}} as "three Pokémon you can choose as your first partners in the game,"<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220907005543/en/Nintendo-Announces-Nintendo-Switch-–-OLED-Model-Pokémon-Scarlet-Violet-Edition-Launching-This-November Nintendo Announces Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition, Launching This November]</ref> while a press release promoting the then-upcoming release of {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} referred to them fully as "first partner Pokémon".<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221117005454/en/Nintendo-Download-The-World-of-Pokémon-Has-Evolved%21 Nintendo Download: The World of Pokémon Has Evolved!]</ref>

===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 {{g|X and Y}} referred to the Kanto first partner Pokémon as "classic partner Pokémon".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131127122911/http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon/classic/ Classic Partner Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website], archived November 27, 2013 on Internet Archive</ref> 
* The pages for {{p|Rowlet}}, {{p|Litten}}, and {{p|Popplio}} on the official {{g|Sun and Moon}} website refer to each of these Pokémon as "your partner."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160904071640mp_/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/rowlet/ Rowlet | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 4, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160904073241mp_/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/litten/ Litten | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 4, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160906151215mp_/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/popplio Popplio | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 6, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref> 
* The [[Pokémon Presents|Pokémon Direct]] on September 4, 2013 referred to the Kanto first partners as "the partner Pokémon from the original [[Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue]]."<ref name = presents913 /> The term "partner Pokémon" is also used in an official video promoting [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]].<ref name="Sun Moon evolutions"/> 
* A press release detailing a promotional event for {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} referred to the Paldea first partner Pokémon as "the partner Pokémon".<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221114005404/en/Photos-of-the-Official-Pokémon-Scarlet-and-Pokémon-Violet-Partner-Pokémon-Debut-at-Nintendo-NY-Store-Are-Available-on-Business-Wire's-Website Photos of the Official Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Partner Pokémon Debut at Nintendo NY Store Are Available on Business Wire’s Website]</ref>

===Starter Pokémon===
[[File:Johto first partner Pokémon - Nintendo Power 180.png|thumb|250px|Article using the term "starter Pokémon"<br>(''[[Nintendo Power]]'' #180)]]
[[File:Gigantamax video text.png|thumb|250px|"[[Gigantamax]] forms for your evolved starter Pokémon" mentioned in an official video about the [[Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass]]<ref name="Expansion Pass Gigantamax"/>]]

The earliest known official usage of "'''starter Pokémon'''" was on page 5 of ''{{OBP|Pokémon Power|magazine}}'' #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 {{game4|BWB2W2}}, the term is referenced in one of the questions from the [[Passerby Analytics HQ]].<ref>''"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'''."''</ref> 
* In {{g|X and Y}}, the "Starters" [[Options/Battle BGs|battle background]] features {{p|Chespin}}, {{p|Fennekin}}, and {{p|Froakie}}. 

====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]]''.<ref name="AG071">Professor Birch: ''"Great! Team Rocket's just gotten away with SIX Starter Pokémon. The reserved ones."'' (''[[AG071|A Six Pack Attack!]]'')</ref><ref> {{Ash}}: ''"They're evolved forms of the starter Pokémon from Pallet Town."'' /<br> {{MTR}}: ''"Who wouldn't want da fiorst evolution a' t'ree starter Pokeymon?!!"'' (''[[AG092|Judgment Day!]]'')</ref> ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl|Diamond and Pearl]]''.<ref>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?"'' (''[[DP001|Following A Maiden's Voyage!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"Sure is! Pretty sure it's a Sinnoh region starter Pokémon!"'' (''[[DP005|Gettin' Twiggy With It!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"Then that means you chose a Piplup for your starter Pokémon"'' (''[[DP026|Getting the Pre-Contest Titters!]]'')</ref> and ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White|Black & White]]''.<ref>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."'' <br>Ash: ''"Awesome! Starter Pokémon!"'' (''[[BW001|In the Shadow of Zekrom!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"A Tepig! That's one of the three starter Pokémon a new trainer can choose."'' (''[[BW004|The Battle Club and Tepig's Choice!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"Hey, that's a Snivy! It's one of the three starter Pokémon you can get in the Unova region."'' (''[[BW007|Snivy Plays Hard to Catch!]]'')</ref><ref>Nanette: ''"Is it true? I can get a starter Pokémon for free?"'' / <br>Cilan: ''"Since you're the cautious type, why not choose that lively Tepig for your starter?"'' (''[[BW109|New Places...Familiar Faces!]]'')</ref><ref>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."'' /<br>Ash: ''"Here come the starter Pokémon!"'' (''[[BW116|The Fires of a Red-Hot Reunion!]]'')</ref> The first episode to use the term was the ''Ruby and Sapphire'' episode ''[[AG071|A Six Pack Attack!]]''.<ref name="AG071"/> 

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.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EuH-5Fv87g&t=1608s 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.''"<br>Audience: "''I think it's always been an unofficial term.''"<br>Wayland: "''Nope. They used to say it in the show, now they don't.''"</ref>

In 2019, Sonja Hammes, then a social media associate at [[The Pokémon Company International]],<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-hammes-1a1aa087/ Sonja Hammes on LinkedIn]</ref> 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."<ref>[https://twitter.com/novemberalice/status/1103070703904018433 Sonja Hammes on Twitter:] "''P.S. We can call them starter on social now''"</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/novemberalice/status/1103262076707979265 Sonja Hammes on Twitter:] "''Of course, there are RULES. It’s “starter Pokémon”. No capital S. No “starters”. Gotta keep the standards!''"</ref>

====In the TCG====
{{DL|Black & White TCG Series merchandise|Starter Figure Boxes}}, which included "Starter Figures" and cards featuring the Unova first partner Pokémon, were released during the Black & White Series of the {{Trading Card Game}}.

====In official marketing and promotional materials====
On official sites:
* The official sites for {{game|Black and White|s}}, {{g|X and Y}}, and {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}} all refer to their respective first partner trios as "starter Pokémon".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120207112943/http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com/en-us/pokemon Pokémon | Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version Official Website], archived February 7, 2012 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131205074459/http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon/starters/ Starter Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website], archived December 5, 2013 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141017165107/http://www.pokemonrubysapphire.com/en-us/pokemon/starter-pokemon Starter Pokémon | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website], archived October 17, 2014 on Internet Archive</ref> 
* The official website for {{g|Sun and Moon}} sorts the pages for {{p|Rowlet}}, {{p|Litten}}, and {{p|Popplio}} under the tag "starter"<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160906132443/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/ Pokémon | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 6, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref> 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."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170611154114/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/cool-features/ Cool Features | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived June 11, 2017 on Internet Archive]</ref> 
* On the official website for {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}, a hidden comment reads: ''"Looping video showcasing in-game footage of starter Pokémon Sprigatito, Quaxly, and Fuecoco."''<ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet - Pokémon.com]</ref> 
* On the official Pokémon website, the page detailing {{game|Emerald}} features artwork of the Hoenn first partner Pokémon captioned ''"Which starter Pokémon will you choose?"''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-emerald-version Pokémon Emerald Version | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref> 
* The term "starter Pokémon" is also mentioned in an official article about {{g|UNITE}}.<ref>''"[...] the stickers are of Paldea’s starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly."'' [https://unite.pokemon.com/en-us/news/pokemon-scarlet-and-pokemon-violet-bring-paldean-flavor-to-pokemon-unite/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet bring Paldean flavor to Pokémon Unite - Pokémon.com]</ref>

In presentations:
* The [[Pokémon Presents|Pokémon Direct]] on September 4, 2013, referred to the Kalos first partner Pokémon as "the Pokémon X and Y starters." <ref name = presents913 /> The term "starter Pokémon" was used in the titles and descriptions of videos promoting the release of {{g|Sun and Moon}}.<ref name="Sun Moon evolutions">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uWAMwcRGmU Discover the Final Evolutions of the Starter Pokémon in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn25hijDL7c Starter Pokémon for Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Revealed! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref> 
* "Evolved starter Pokémon" appeared at the start of a video promoting the [[Gigantamax]] forms from the [[Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass]].<ref name="Expansion Pass Gigantamax">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiff3CU27UM More Gigantamax action comes to the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref> 
* The term "starter" was used in a video promoting {{g|Legends: Arceus}} in reference to the final evolved forms of the [[Hisui first partner Pokémon]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyxGvVBlSDQ Hisuian. Final. Starter. Evolutions. | Pokémon Legends: Arceus | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref>

===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 {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} previously stated: ''"At the start of your expedition, you'll have the option to choose one of three '''starting Pokémon''': Cyndaquil, Totodile, or Chikorita."''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20151106063302/http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-gold-version-and-pokemon-silver-version/ Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver Version | The Official Pokémon Website], archived November 6, 2015 on Internet Archive</ref>
* In ''[[The Official Pokémon Handbook|The Official Pokémon Handbook: Deluxe Edition]]'', [[Professor Oak]] says: ''"I supply many trainers<!-- lowercase in the book--> with their first Pokémon. Usually, I let them choose between four '''beginning Pokémon''' — {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, {{p|Squirtle}}, and sometimes {{p|Pikachu}}."''
* On the Pokémon.com page for the [[Pokémon Center New York]]'s [[List of PCNY event Pokémon distributions in Generation II|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'''").<ref>"''The Kanto '''Initial Three''' Pokémon {{!}} The following Pokémon were the '''initial three''' from Kanto, all RARE color, plus a rare Mew!''" [https://web.archive.org/web/20021011204306/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events4.asp Catch Celebi!], [https://web.archive.org/web/20030124023941/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events8.asp Catch Them If You Can]</ref><ref>"''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!''" [https://web.archive.org/web/20021011204306/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events4.asp Catch Celebi!]</ref><ref>"''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.''" [https://web.archive.org/web/20030124023941/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events8.asp Catch Them If You Can]</ref>
*In [[Pokémon GO]], [[Rhi]] refers to {{p|Poipole}} as a "'''''first partner companion'''''".<ref>'''[[Rhi]]''': "''In my world, this [[Ultra Beast]] is liked well enough to be chosen as a first partner companion.''"</ref>

In other cases, a Trainer's first Pokémon is simply referred to as such. 
* In the [[EP001|first episode]] of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'', {{Ash}} asks {{Gary}}: ''"You got your '''first Pokémon'''?"'' 
* Other instances have occurred on official Pokémon websites.<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-platinum-version Pokémon Platinum Version | The Official Pokémon Website]: "''Will you choose Piplup, Chimchar, or Turtwig as your first Pokémon?''" </ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131207213850/http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon_101/starters/ Your First Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website], archived December 7, 2013 on Internet Archive</ref> 
* In official guidebooks:
** ''"When it's time to pick their '''first Pokémon''', their choices are:"'', followed by the images and names of {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, and {{p|Squirtle}}. (''[[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'') or simply ポケモン (''Pokémon'') 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 {{game2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}}, [[Professor Elm]] refers to the Johto first partner Pokémon as '''パートナー''' (''partner'').<ref>
*: Japanese dialogue:「{{ruby|好|す}}きなポケモンを1{{ruby|匹|ひき}}、'''パートナー'''として{{ruby|連|つ}}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."''</ref> In the [[game intro|intro]] of {{game|Black and White|s}}, [[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==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Terminology pages|First partner Pokémon]]