〜を始め

The Japanese grammar point 〜を始め (o hajime) or its more formal counterpart 〜を始めとして (o hajime to shite) is a sophisticated functional expression used to introduce a representative example from a larger group. At its core, it translates to 'starting with' or 'including,' but it carries a specific nuance that the item mentioned first is the most prominent, important, or typical member of the category being discussed. This expression is derived from the transitive verb hajimeru (始める), meaning 'to start' or 'to begin.' When used in this grammatical context, it transforms into a compound particle that links a specific noun to a broader set of nouns or a general situation. It is not merely a list-making tool like 'ya' or 'nado'; rather, it establishes a hierarchy or a point of origin for the discussion. For instance, if you are talking about a successful project, you might say 'The manager, starting with her, and all the team members worked hard.' This highlights the manager as the primary figure while acknowledging the collective effort. The use of this phrase immediately elevates the register of the conversation or text, making it highly common in formal speeches, news reporting, academic writing, and business correspondence. It signals to the listener that the speaker is about to categorize or provide a comprehensive list, beginning with the most noteworthy entry. In linguistic terms, it functions as a focus marker that sets the stage for a pluralistic subject or object. The structure typically follows the pattern [Noun A] + を始め(として) + [Noun B / Category]. Noun A is the representative example, and Noun B is the broader group it belongs to. This construction is essential for B1 level learners as they transition from simple descriptive Japanese to more structured, professional, and nuanced communication. It allows for the elegant grouping of ideas without the repetitive use of simple conjunctions. Furthermore, the 'to shite' version adds a layer of formality and clarity, often used in written documents to define the scope of a statement. Understanding this phrase requires recognizing that the 'starting point' isn't just chronological; it is often conceptual or hierarchical. By selecting one item to 'start' with, you are effectively saying 'This is the best example I can give you to represent the whole.'

Grammatical Function

Compound particle used to highlight a representative example within a group.

In the example above, the principal is singled out as the most representative or highest-ranking member of the 'teachers' group. This doesn't mean the other teachers are unimportant, but it follows Japanese social etiquette by acknowledging the head first. This pattern is ubiquitous in Japanese society, where hierarchy and group representation are vital. Another key aspect of '〜を始め' is its ability to handle both positive and negative contexts, though it is most frequently seen in formal praise, reports of events, or descriptions of features. For example, a city might be famous for its 'festivals, starting with the Gion Festival.' Here, the Gion Festival is the hook that identifies the city's cultural richness. The phrase acts as a mental shortcut for the listener, providing a clear anchor point (the first noun) to understand the general category (the second noun). It is also worth noting that in very formal settings, the form 〜を始めといたしまして might be used, showing the extreme flexibility of this grammar point across different levels of politeness. For a learner, mastering this means moving beyond the basic 'A and B' structure and into the realm of 'A, as a representative of the group B.' This distinction is what separates intermediate learners from beginners. It requires a certain level of vocabulary to identify what constitutes a 'representative' example in any given context, whether it be a person, a place, a specific item, or an abstract concept. As you progress, you will notice this phrase in newspaper headlines, where space is limited and one representative name must stand in for many. It is a tool of efficiency and respect, deeply embedded in the way Japanese speakers organize their world and their social interactions.

Register

Formal (Keigo-adjacent), common in speeches, news, and business.

To further illustrate, consider the difference between saying 'Apples, oranges, and bananas' versus 'Apples, starting with apples, various fruits are on sale.' The latter implies that apples are the main attraction or the most significant item in the sale. This nuance is critical in marketing and public relations in Japan. When a company announces its new products, they will often list the flagship product followed by '〜を始め' to indicate that while there are many products, this specific one is the one you should focus on. This grammatical structure also helps in managing complex sentences. Instead of listing ten items, you list the most important one and then use a collective noun like 'many others' (その他大勢) or 'various' (様々な). This keeps the sentence concise and professional. In academic settings, it is used to cite a primary source or a leading theory before mentioning supporting ones. For example, 'Starting with Einstein's theory, many scientists have contributed to this field.' This immediately establishes the foundation of the argument. The versatility of '〜を始め' is also seen in its variations: '〜を始めとして' (adverbial) and '〜を始めとする' (adjectival, modifying a noun). The adjectival form is particularly useful for defining groups, such as 'The group, starting with Mr. Tanaka...' (田中さんを始めとするグループ). This level of precision is a hallmark of upper-intermediate Japanese. By using this grammar, you demonstrate an understanding of Japanese categorical thinking and social hierarchy, which is just as important as the vocabulary itself.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 'hajimeru' (to start), indicating the point of origin for a list.

Finally, it is important to distinguish '〜を始め' from similar expressions like '〜を皮切りに' (o kawakiri ni). While both involve 'starting,' 'o kawakiri ni' refers to the first in a series of events that trigger a succession of similar actions, often with an escalating intensity. In contrast, '〜を始め' is about categorization and representation within a static or existing group. For example, you would use 'o hajime' to list the members of a committee, but 'o kawakiri ni' to describe how one protest started a nationwide movement. This distinction is a common point of confusion for learners, but focusing on the 'representative example' aspect of 'o hajime' will help keep them separate. As you practice, try to identify the 'leader' or 'face' of the group you are describing. That is the noun that belongs before 'を始め'. Whether you are writing a formal email, giving a wedding toast, or reading a news article about international relations, you will find this grammar point to be an indispensable part of your Japanese linguistic toolkit. It provides a bridge between simple enumeration and sophisticated discourse, allowing you to speak with the clarity and structure expected in professional and formal Japanese environments. The more you use it, the more natural your categorization of the world will sound to native ears, as it aligns with the cultural emphasis on order, hierarchy, and the importance of the 'representative' figure.

Using 〜を始め (o hajime) correctly involves understanding its three primary forms and the specific grammatical environments they require. The most basic form is the particle-like usage where it connects two nouns. The structure is: [Noun A] + を始め + [Noun B / Category Phrase]. Noun A is the specific, representative example, and Noun B is the collective group. For example, 'Tokyo (Noun A) を始め、日本の大都市 (Noun B).' This translates to 'Major cities in Japan, starting with Tokyo.' Note the comma that usually follows 'o hajime' in this construction, which helps to separate the representative from the rest of the group. This form is very common in spoken formal Japanese, such as speeches or announcements. The second form is 〜を始めとして (o hajime to shite). This is an adverbial phrase. The addition of 'to shite' (as) makes the relationship even more explicit: 'With Noun A as the start...' This form is slightly more formal and is frequently used in written reports, formal letters, and academic papers. It functions similarly to the basic form but provides a stronger rhythmic pause in the sentence. The third form is 〜を始めとする (o hajime to suru). This is the adjectival or pre-nominal form. Because it ends in the dictionary form of the verb 'suru,' it can directly modify a following noun. The structure is: [Noun A] + を始めとする + [Noun B]. For example, 'The countries of Asia, starting with Japan' would be '日本を始めとするアジアの国々.' This is an incredibly useful pattern for defining a specific group within a sentence without needing a separate clause. It allows you to create complex noun phrases that act as a single unit, such as 'The team, starting with Mr. Sato, won the award' (佐藤さんを始めとするチームが賞を受賞した). When using any of these forms, the choice of 'Noun A' is critical. It must be a member of the category 'Noun B.' You cannot say 'Apples, starting with cars...' as they belong to different categories. The representative item should also be the most logical 'first' item, whether due to size, importance, fame, or rank. In Japanese culture, this often follows social hierarchy. If you are listing people, the person with the highest status must come before 'o hajime.' If you are listing locations, the capital or the largest city usually takes the lead. This grammar point is not just about listing; it is about showing respect and organizational logic. Another important rule is that 'Noun B' is often followed by words like 'など' (nado - etc.), '様々な' (samazama na - various), or '多くの' (ooku no - many) to emphasize that there are many others in the group besides the one mentioned. For example, 'Starting with the president, many people attended.' This 'Noun A + を始め + Noun B + など' pattern is a standard template for formal reporting. It is also important to remember that this grammar is rarely used for very small groups of two or three items where every item is equally important. In those cases, 'A to B' or 'A ya B' is more appropriate. '〜を始め' implies a larger, perhaps even uncountable, group where one item stands out as the face of the collective. As a B1 learner, you should start by using the basic 'o hajime' in your formal writing and then gradually incorporate 'o hajime to suru' to create more complex and natural-sounding descriptions. Pay attention to the particles that follow the entire phrase; the whole 'Noun A o hajime (to suru) Noun B' block can be the subject (followed by ga/wa), the object (followed by o), or a target (followed by ni). For example, 'I spoke to the staff, starting with the manager' would be '店長を始めとするスタッフに話をしました.' Here, the entire group is the recipient of the action. Mastering these nuances will significantly improve your ability to handle formal Japanese contexts and read professional documents with ease.

Structure 1 (Basic)

[Noun] + を始め、[Group/Category] ...

Structure 2 (Adverbial)

[Noun] + を始めとして、[Group/Category] ...

Structure 3 (Adjectival)

[Noun] + を始めとする + [Noun/Group]

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the particles that follow. Since '〜を始め' and its variants act as modifiers or connectors, they don't replace the main case markers (wa, ga, o, ni, etc.) of the sentence. Instead, they are embedded within the phrase that those markers apply to. For example, in the sentence 'I want to thank everyone, starting with my parents,' the 'everyone' is the object. So: '両親を始め、皆様に感謝したいです' (Ryoushin o hajime, minasama ni kansha shitai desu). Here, 'ni' marks the target of the thanks. Another nuance is the 'scope' of the group. If the group is vague, like 'everyone' (皆様) or 'all related parties' (関係者各位), '〜を始め' is perfect. It provides a concrete anchor for an otherwise broad term. In business emails, you might see '部長を始め、チームの皆様によろしくお伝えください' (Please give my regards to everyone in the team, starting with the department manager). This is a polite way to ensure the manager is acknowledged specifically while addressing the whole team. Furthermore, while '〜を始め' is formal, it is not restricted to 'high-class' topics. You can use it for hobbies, food, or travel, as long as the setting is somewhat formal or you are being descriptive. 'Starting with the mountains, the nature here is beautiful' (山を始め、ここは自然が豊かだ). This sounds more poetic and structured than just saying 'The mountains and nature are beautiful.' Finally, avoid using this with 'watashi' (I) as the representative unless you are in a very specific situation where you are the leader of a group being introduced by someone else. Usually, it is used to highlight others or external things. By practicing these structures, you will gain a powerful tool for organizing information in Japanese, making your speech and writing sound more professional, organized, and culturally attuned to the importance of representative examples.

The grammar point 〜を始め is a staple of formal and public Japanese life. If you turn on the NHK news or pick up a Japanese newspaper like the Asahi Shimbun, you will encounter it almost daily. It is the preferred way for journalists to summarize a list of participants in a summit, a group of companies involved in a merger, or a list of regions affected by weather. For example, a news anchor might say, 'Starting with Tokyo, heavy rain is expected across the Kanto region.' This immediately tells the listener that Tokyo is the primary area of concern or the largest city affected. In the world of business, this phrase is everywhere. During a company's general meeting of shareholders, the chairperson will use '〜を始めとして' to introduce the board of directors or to thank the major investors. When a new product is launched, the press release will state that the product will be available 'starting with major department stores' (大手百貨店を始めとして). This gives the product an air of prestige and wide availability. If you are a student in Japan, you will hear this during school ceremonies. At graduation, the principal might address the 'graduates, starting with those who received honors.' This formal acknowledgment of a specific group within the whole is a key part of Japanese institutional communication. Even in the entertainment industry, you'll hear it during award shows or opening remarks at a concert. An artist might thank 'the fans, starting with those who came from far away.' This makes the sentiment feel more inclusive and structured. In literature, especially in non-fiction or formal essays, '〜を始めとする' is used to define categories of thought or historical movements. A historian might write about 'the modernization of Japan, starting with the Meiji Restoration.' This establishes a clear starting point for a complex historical process. For those interested in Japanese culture, you will find this phrase in travel guides and documentaries. A narrator might describe a temple's treasures, 'starting with the National Treasure Buddha statue.' This guides the viewer's attention to the most important item first. It is also common in political speeches. A politician might promise to improve the lives of 'all citizens, starting with the elderly.' This signals their policy priorities. Because it is a 'written-style' (kaki-kotoba) expression that has moved into formal speech, hearing it instantly changes the atmosphere of a conversation to one of seriousness and respect. It is rarely heard in casual settings like a bar or a family dinner, unless someone is making a formal toast (kanpai). If you are watching a Japanese drama (J-drama) or anime, you will hear it most often in scenes involving offices, schools, or formal events. A character might use it when introducing their team to a rival. For a learner, recognizing this phrase is a sign that you are moving into the 'adult' world of Japanese, where social structures and formal categorizations are explicitly acknowledged through grammar. It is a linguistic marker of professional and social maturity.

Context: News & Media

Used to list affected areas, participating countries, or key figures in a report.

Context: Business & Ceremonies

Used in introductions, toasts, and formal acknowledgments of staff or guests.

In addition to these formal contexts, you will also see '〜を始め' in advertising. A skincare brand might claim their product is loved by 'many celebrities, starting with famous actresses.' This uses the grammar to create a sense of exclusivity and high status. In academic lectures, professors use it to organize their points. 'We will examine the causes of the economic crisis, starting with the housing bubble.' This provides a clear roadmap for the students. Even in the digital world, you might see it on the 'About Us' page of a company website, where they list their core values or their key partners. 'We work with many global companies, starting with Google.' This immediately establishes the company's credibility by associating it with a well-known name. For those studying for the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), this is a classic N3/N2 grammar point that frequently appears in the reading comprehension section. The texts often use it to structure paragraphs, introducing a main example before expanding into a general discussion. Understanding how it functions allows you to quickly identify the 'topic' of a list. In summary, '〜を始め' is a bridge between the specific and the general. It is a tool for focus and organization that is indispensable in any formal or professional Japanese setting. Whether you are listening to a speech, reading a news article, or participating in a business meeting, being able to recognize and understand this phrase will give you a much deeper insight into the structure and hierarchy of the information being presented. It is a hallmark of sophisticated Japanese communication that reflects the culture's emphasis on order, respect, and the power of a representative example.

While 〜を始め is a powerful grammar point, it is easy for intermediate learners to misuse it. One of the most common mistakes is using it in a casual setting. Because it carries a formal, slightly stiff tone, using it with close friends while talking about something mundane like 'Starting with this beer, let's drink everything' can sound unnaturally formal or even sarcastic. In casual speech, 'ya' or 'nado' is much more appropriate. Another frequent error is the 'Category Mismatch.' The noun that comes before 'o hajime' must be a member of the group that follows. For example, you cannot say 'Starting with Tokyo, I like many fruits.' Tokyo is not a fruit. While this seems obvious, in complex sentences, learners sometimes lose track of the category they are defining. Always ensure that [Noun A] is a logical subset of [Noun B]. A third mistake is forgetting the particle 'o' (を). Some learners try to say 'Noun hajime,' which is grammatically incorrect. The 'o' is essential because 'hajime' is the continuative form (ren'youkei) of the transitive verb 'hajimeru,' which requires a direct object. Without the 'o,' the sentence loses its grammatical foundation. Another nuance that is often missed is the 'Hierarchy Error.' In Japanese formal contexts, the item placed before 'o hajime' should generally be the most important or highest-ranking member of the group. If you are introducing a team and you put the junior intern before 'o hajime' instead of the manager, it might be seen as a breach of etiquette or a lack of social awareness. Always consider the social or logical 'weight' of the item you are choosing as your representative example. Additionally, learners often confuse '〜を始め' with '〜を皮切りに' (o kawakiri ni). As mentioned before, 'o kawakiri ni' is for a sequence of events (e.g., 'Starting with the Tokyo concert, the tour went to five cities'), whereas 'o hajime' is for a group of things or people (e.g., 'Starting with the lead singer, the band members are all talented'). If you are talking about a list of items that exist simultaneously, use 'o hajime.' If you are talking about a series of actions that happen one after another, 'o kawakiri ni' might be better. Another subtle mistake is overusing the phrase. While it is great for formal writing, using it in every sentence of a report can make the text feel repetitive and heavy. Japanese writing values variety, so try to mix it up with other expressions like '〜はもちろん' (not to mention) or '〜を代表とする' (represented by). Furthermore, some learners forget that '〜を始めとする' is the only form that can directly modify a noun. They might try to use '〜を始め' as an adjective, which is incorrect. For example, 'Tokyo o hajime toshi' (The city starting with Tokyo) is wrong; it must be 'Tokyo o hajime to suru toshi.' Finally, be careful with the 'etc.' (nado) at the end. While it is common to include 'nado' to show the group is large, adding too many inclusive particles like 'ya,' 'nado,' and 'toka' all in the same phrase can make the sentence cluttered. Keep it clean: '[Noun A] o hajime, [Noun B] nado...' is the standard, balanced way to use it. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will be able to use '〜を始め' with the precision and grace of a native speaker, enhancing both your formal communication skills and your understanding of Japanese social logic.

Mistake 1: Category Mismatch

Using a representative noun that doesn't belong to the following group.

Mistake 2: Missing Particle

Omitting the 'を' (o) before '始め'.

Another area of confusion is the use of '〜を始め' with negative verbs. While it is possible, it is much less common than in positive contexts. For example, 'Starting with the manager, no one knew the truth' (店長を始め、誰も真実を知らなかった). This is correct, but it can sound quite dramatic. In everyday formal Japanese, it is most often used to list features, participants, or positive attributes. Furthermore, some learners struggle with the placement of the phrase in a sentence. Remember that '〜を始め' and its group usually function as a single unit. If that unit is the subject, it should be followed by 'wa' or 'ga.' If it is the object, 'o.' A common mistake is to place the case marker *before* 'o hajime,' which breaks the grammar. It should always be [Noun A] + を始め + [Noun B] + [Case Marker]. For example, 'I met the staff, starting with the manager' is '店長を始め、スタッフに会いました' (Tencho o hajime, sutaffu ni aimashita). The 'ni' comes after 'staff,' not after 'manager.' Lastly, avoid using '〜を始め' when you are just listing things in order of time. If you want to say 'I ate breakfast, then went to work,' 'o hajime' is completely wrong. That is for chronological sequences of different actions. 'o hajime' is for members of a single category. By keeping these rules in mind—register, category membership, particle usage, hierarchy, and grammatical placement—you will avoid the most common errors and use this sophisticated grammar point with confidence.

To truly master 〜を始め, it is essential to compare it with other Japanese expressions that also involve listing or highlighting examples. The most common alternative is 〜はもちろん (o wa mochiron) or 〜はもとより (wa motoyori). These phrases mean 'not only A, but also B' or 'A is a given, and B is also true.' While 'o hajime' focuses on A as a representative starting point, 'wa mochiron' emphasizes that A is so obvious or important that it doesn't even need to be mentioned, yet B is also included. For example, 'He can speak not only English but also Japanese' (彼は英語はもちろん、日本語も話せる). This has a different nuance than 'Starting with English, he speaks many languages.' The latter suggests English is just the first example in a list, while the former suggests English is expected of him. Another similar expression is 〜を代表とする (o daihyou to suru), which means 'represented by.' This is even more specific than 'o hajime.' It is used when Noun A is the literal leader or the most defining member of the group. For instance, 'The team, represented by Captain Sato' (佐藤主将を代表とするチーム). While 'o hajime' could also be used here, 'o daihyou to suru' is more formal and technically precise about the leadership role. Then there is 〜を皮切りに (o kawakiri ni), which we have touched upon. This is often confused with 'o hajime' because both translate to 'starting with.' However, 'o kawakiri ni' is strictly for a sequence of events where the first event triggers a series of similar, often more intense, events. 'Starting with the Tokyo show, the tour was a huge success' implies the Tokyo show was the first event in a timeline. 'o hajime' cannot be used for this chronological sequence; it is for categorical grouping. Another point of comparison is 〜をきっかけに (o kikkake ni), which means 'with A as a turning point' or 'taking A as an opportunity.' This focuses on the cause-and-effect relationship between an event and a subsequent change, whereas 'o hajime' is purely descriptive and categorical. For example, 'Starting with that accident, he became careful' uses 'o kikkake ni.' You wouldn't use 'o hajime' there because 'being careful' is not a category that 'the accident' belongs to. We should also consider the simple 〜や〜など (ya... nado). This is the casual version of 'o hajime.' If you are talking to a friend about your favorite foods, you would say 'Sushi ya ramen nado ga suki desu.' Using 'Sushi o hajime...' in that context would sound like you are giving a formal presentation about your diet. 'ya... nado' is neutral and inclusive, while 'o hajime' is formal and hierarchical. Finally, there is 〜といった (to itta), which means 'such as.' This is used to provide a few examples to clarify a general category. 'Cities such as Tokyo and Osaka' (東京や大阪といった都市). This is similar to 'o hajime to suru,' but 'to itta' is more about providing examples for clarity, while 'o hajime' is about highlighting the most important one. Understanding these subtle differences allows you to choose the exact right 'flavor' of listing for your specific situation, whether you want to emphasize hierarchy, obviousness, chronological order, or just provide simple examples.

〜を始め vs 〜はもちろん

'o hajime' highlights a representative; 'wa mochiron' emphasizes that the first item is a given/obvious.

〜を始め vs 〜を皮切りに

'o hajime' is for categories/groups; 'o kawakiri ni' is for a sequence of events over time.

〜を始め vs 〜といった

'o hajime' is formal and hierarchical; 'to itta' is used for general examples and clarification.

In professional writing, you might also see 〜を筆頭に (o hittou ni). This is very similar to 'o hajime' but even more formal and specifically emphasizes being at the 'head' of a list. It is often used for people or companies in a competitive or high-stakes context. For example, 'The project was led by the tech department, with Mr. Tanaka at the head' (田中さんを筆頭に...). This implies a stronger sense of leadership than 'o hajime.' Another advanced alternative is 〜を皮切りとして, which is a variation of 'o kawakiri ni.' As you can see, Japanese has a rich variety of ways to say 'starting with,' each with its own specific nuance and register. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are focusing on a group (o hajime), a sequence (o kawakiri ni), a cause (o kikkake ni), an obvious fact (wa mochiron), or a representative leader (o daihyou to suru / o hittou ni). For B1 learners, focusing on the distinction between 'o hajime' and 'ya/nado' is the first step, followed by distinguishing it from 'o kawakiri ni.' This will prevent the most common errors and allow for much clearer, more professional communication. By learning these similar words, you not only expand your vocabulary but also your ability to express complex relationships between ideas, a key skill for advanced Japanese proficiency.