This is the 143rd most frequent Japanese word.
初めて
For the first time.
Here, '初めて' is used adjectivally within the phrase '初めての友達' to indicate 'first friend', marking the initial occurrence of forming a friendship.
初めての友達ができて嬉しいです。
I am happy to have made my first friend.
In this usage, '初めて' functions as a noun meaning 'the first time', expressing that the sensation is a novel experience for the speaker.
この感覚は初めてです。
This sensation is the first time for me.
The word '初めて' is used here as an adverb meaning 'for the first time', indicating that this was the individual's first experience visiting Japan.