A2 verb 11 min de lectura
At the A1 level, you learn はじまります (hajimarimasu) as a simple way to talk about daily schedules. It is one of the first verbs you use to describe things happening around you. At this stage, you focus on concrete subjects like 'school' (gakkou), 'lesson' (jugyou), or 'movie' (eiga). The most important thing for an A1 learner is to remember that this verb is used when something starts on its own or according to a schedule. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the pattern: '[Thing] ga hajimarimasu.' For example, 'Jugyou ga hajimarimasu' means 'Class is starting.' You will also learn to use it with times, like 'Kuji ni hajimarimasu' (It starts at nine). This helps you navigate a Japanese environment, such as knowing when a shop opens or when a train departs. It is a polite word, so you can use it safely with your teachers and in public. At this level, you should also recognize the past tense 'hajimarimashita' (started) to talk about things that have already begun. For instance, if you arrive late to a party, you might hear someone say 'Paatii ga hajimarimashita yo!' (The party has started!). This basic understanding allows you to participate in simple conversations about time and daily activities, which are fundamental building blocks of the Japanese language.
At the A2 level, you begin to distinguish between はじまります (hajimarimasu) and its transitive counterpart はじめます (hajimemasu). This is a critical milestone in Japanese grammar. You learn that 'hajimarimasu' is intransitive, meaning the subject is the thing starting (e.g., the meeting), while 'hajimemasu' is transitive, meaning someone is starting something (e.g., I am starting the meeting). You also expand your vocabulary to include more abstract subjects, such as 'winter' (fuyu), 'vacation' (yasumi), or 'sale' (seeru). You start using the particle 'kara' more frequently to indicate the starting point in time: 'Ashita kara natsuyasumi ga hajimarimasu' (Summer vacation starts from tomorrow). You also learn to use the verb in the 'te-form' (hajimatte) to connect sentences, such as 'Kaigi ga hajimatte, jugyou ga owarimashita' (The meeting started and the class ended). This level also introduces the 'dictionary form' (hajimaru) for use in casual conversation with friends and family. You begin to notice 'hajimarimasu' in public announcements and advertisements, helping you understand the world around you more deeply. You are expected to use the correct particles (ga/wa) and understand the polite nuances of the '-masu' form in various social contexts.
At the B1 level, you move beyond simple schedules and start using はじまります (hajimarimasu) for more complex and abstract concepts. You might discuss the beginning of a new era, a political movement, or a complex narrative in a book. You understand the nuanced difference between 'hajimarimasu' and more formal terms like 'kaishi suru'. You are also introduced to the potential form 'hajimareru' (can start), although it is less common for this specific verb. You learn to use 'hajimarimasu' in relative clauses, such as 'Kuji ni hajimaru kaigi' (The meeting that starts at nine). Your understanding of the 'transitive-intransitive' relationship becomes more intuitive, allowing you to choose the correct verb without hesitation. You also start to recognize idiomatic expressions involving the root 'hajime', such as 'hajime ni' (at first) or 'hajime no ippo' (the first step). At this level, you can describe sequences of events with greater detail and accuracy, using 'hajimarimasu' to mark significant transitions. You might also encounter the verb in more literary contexts, where it describes the unfolding of fate or the onset of a conflict. Your ability to use the verb in different registers (polite vs. casual) becomes more refined, and you can adapt your speech based on the person you are talking to.
At the B2 level, you are expected to have a nuanced command of はじまります (hajimarimasu) and its related forms. You can discuss the subtle differences in meaning when it is used with various particles and adverbs. For example, you understand how 'mamonaku' (shortly) or 'yoyaku' (at last) changes the tone of the sentence. You are also proficient in using the suffix '-hajimeru' to create compound verbs (e.g., 'furi-hajimeru', 'kaki-hajimeru'), and you understand how these relate to the standalone verb 'hajimarimasu'. You can analyze the use of 'hajimarimasu' in news broadcasts and formal speeches, noting how it functions to structure information. You might also explore the historical etymology of the kanji 始 and how its components (woman + pedestal) relate to the concept of inception. At this level, you can use the verb to describe complex social phenomena, such as the 'beginning of an economic trend' or the 'start of a cultural shift'. You are also aware of regional variations or specific professional jargon where 'hajimarimasu' might be replaced by more specialized vocabulary. Your speech is fluent, and you use 'hajimarimasu' naturally in both spoken and written Japanese, demonstrating a deep understanding of its grammatical and cultural implications.
At the C1 level, your use of はじまります (hajimarimasu) is sophisticated and contextually precise. You can appreciate the philosophical nuances of 'beginning' in Japanese literature and thought. You understand how 'hajimarimasu' differs from 'okoru' (to occur) or 'shuppatsu suru' (to depart) in highly abstract or metaphorical contexts. You are also comfortable with the passive and causative forms of the verb, although they are rare, and you understand the specific contexts in which they might appear. You can participate in high-level discussions about history, politics, or science, using 'hajimarimasu' to describe the inception of complex theories or historical periods. You also have a command of honorific (Keigo) versions of the verb, such as 'o-hajimari ni naru' (respectful) or 'kaishi itashimasu' (humble/formal), and you know exactly when to use them in a professional or ceremonial setting. Your writing is elegant, and you use 'hajimarimasu' to create a sense of rhythm and structure in your prose. You can also identify and explain the subtle emotional connotations the word might carry in different contexts, such as the excitement of a festival's start versus the solemnity of a funeral's beginning.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for はじまります (hajimarimasu). You can use it with effortless precision in any setting, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic discourse. You are aware of the word's role in classical Japanese literature and how its usage has evolved over centuries. You can analyze the phonological aspects of the word and its impact on the prosody of a sentence. You are also capable of using the word in creative ways, such as in poetry or wordplay, while maintaining perfect grammatical accuracy. You understand the deepest cultural associations of 'beginning' in Japan, such as the concept of 'Hatsuyume' (the first dream of the year) or 'Hatsumode' (the first shrine visit), and how 'hajimarimasu' underpins these traditions. You can critique the use of the verb in media and literature, noting where a writer has chosen it for a specific stylistic effect. Your command of the language is such that 'hajimarimasu' is no longer just a vocabulary item, but a versatile tool that you use to shape meaning and emotion with total control. You can also explain the most obscure grammatical rules and exceptions related to the verb to other learners, demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of Japanese linguistics.
The Japanese verb はじまります (hajimarimasu) is a cornerstone of daily communication, representing the concept of 'to begin' or 'to start' in its intransitive form. In the complex web of Japanese linguistics, verbs are often paired into transitive and intransitive sets; hajimarimasu belongs to the intransitive category, meaning it focuses on the event or action that is starting, rather than the person who is initiating it. This distinction is vital for English speakers to grasp because Japanese syntax places a heavy emphasis on the state of things. When you use はじまります, you are observing that a process has moved from a state of non-existence or inactivity into a state of being or action. This word is the polite 'masu' form of the dictionary verb はじまる (hajimaru). It is predominantly used in formal, semi-formal, and polite social situations, making it the standard choice for school environments, professional workplaces, and public announcements.
Grammatical Function
As an intransitive verb (自動詞 - jidoushi), it typically takes the particle 'ga' (が) to mark the subject that is starting. For example, 'Jugyou ga hajimarimasu' (Class starts).

まもなく、コンサートがはじまります。 (Mamonaku, konsaato ga hajimarimasu.)

The word carries a sense of anticipation and structure. It is not merely a random occurrence but often refers to scheduled events like movies, classes, or seasonal changes. In a cultural context, the 'beginning' is often celebrated or formally acknowledged in Japan, from the 'Hajime' call in a judo match to the 'Nyugakushiki' (entrance ceremony) that marks the start of the school year in April. Understanding はじまります is not just about learning a verb; it is about understanding how Japanese people perceive the flow of time and the initiation of events. It is a 'Godan' verb, which means its conjugation follows a five-step pattern, though in this polite form, that complexity is hidden behind the stable '-masu' ending. Whether you are waiting for a train, sitting in a theater, or attending a business meeting, you will hear this word used to signal the transition into a new activity. It provides a clear, polite boundary between the preparation phase and the execution phase of any event.
Register and Nuance
This form is 'Teineigo' (polite language). It is safe to use with strangers, teachers, and colleagues. It conveys a level of respect and social distance that is appropriate for most daily interactions.

新しい生活がはじまります。 (Atarashii seikatsu ga hajimarimasu.)

Beyond the physical start, it can also imply the beginning of a season or a historical period. It is versatile, yet precise. When the cherry blossoms bloom, we might say spring has started. When a clock strikes nine, we say the workday has started. In every instance, はじまります acts as the bridge between 'not yet' and 'now'.
Mastering the usage of はじまります (hajimarimasu) requires a solid understanding of the 'Noun + ga' sentence structure. Because it is an intransitive verb, the subject (the thing that is starting) is the focus. This differs from the English 'I start the class,' where 'I' am the actor. In Japanese, if you say 'Jugyou ga hajimarimasu,' you are literally saying 'The class begins.' The class is the subject performing the action of beginning.
Temporal Markers
You will often see this verb paired with time-related particles like 'kara' (from/at). For example, 'Kuji kara hajimarimasu' (It starts at/from nine o'clock).

会議は午後三時からはじまります。 (Kaigi wa gogo san-ji kara hajimarimasu.)

Conjugating はじまります allows you to express different timeframes. To say something already started, you change it to the past tense: はじまりました (hajimarimashita). To express a negative (it doesn't start), use はじまりません (hajimarimasen). If you want to ask a question, simply add 'ka': はじまりますか (hajimarimasu ka?). This versatility makes it one of the most useful verbs for a beginner to intermediate learner.
Common Subjects
Common subjects include 'jugyou' (lesson), 'eiga' (movie), 'shiai' (match/game), 'kaigi' (meeting), 'matsuri' (festival), and 'fuyu' (winter).

冬がはじまりますね。 (Fuyu ga hajimarimasu ne.)

One advanced aspect of using this verb is understanding its relationship with 'te-form' structures. While 'hajimarimasu' is the end of a sentence, you might see 'hajimatte' in the middle of a sentence to link ideas, such as 'Kaigi ga hajimatte, minna shizuka ni narimashita' (The meeting started, and everyone became quiet). This shows the verb's role in establishing a sequence of events. Furthermore, the verb can be used metaphorically. For instance, 'Arasoi ga hajimarimasu' (A conflict begins) suggests a more serious or abstract inception. The key to natural usage is recognizing that はじまります is about the 'event' taking center stage. If you want to focus on your own action of starting something (like starting a car or starting a hobby), you must switch to 'hajimemasu'. This distinction is a frequent source of errors for English speakers who are used to the word 'start' serving both purposes. By consistently asking yourself 'Is the subject starting itself, or am I starting the subject?', you will master the correct application of はじまります.
Sentence Patterns
1. [Event] ga hajimarimasu. 2. [Time] kara hajimarimasu. 3. [Event] wa [Time] ni hajimarimasu.

もうすぐ夏休みがはじまります。 (Mousugu natsuyasumi ga hajimarimasu.)

You will encounter はじまります (hajimarimasu) in a multitude of real-world Japanese settings, often serving as a formal signal or announcement. One of the most common places is in a school setting. When the bell rings, students and teachers alike might say 'Jugyou ga hajimarimasu' to signal that the lesson is commencing. It is a word that dictates social behavior; once something 'hajimarimasu', the rules of that environment take effect.
Public Announcements
In train stations or theaters, you will hear recorded voices saying 'Mamonaku densha ga mairimasu' or 'Mamonaku eiga ga hajimarimasu' (The movie will start shortly). The use of 'mamonaku' (shortly/soon) with 'hajimarimasu' is a classic pairing.

本日の公演は、18時からはじまります。 (Honjitsu no kouen wa, juuhachi-ji kara hajimarimasu.)

Television and radio broadcasts are another prime location for this verb. An announcer might say 'Bangumi ga hajimarimasu' to introduce a show. In the world of sports, the referee's whistle or an announcer's voice will declare the start of a match. Even in casual settings, like a group of friends waiting for a party to start, someone might look at their watch and say 'Saa, hajimarimasu yo!' (Well, it's starting!).
Business Context
In a Japanese office, the leader of a meeting will often say 'Dewa, kaigi wo hajimemasu' (transitive), but a subordinate might tell a colleague 'Mou sugu kaigi ga hajimarimasu' (intransitive) to remind them of the schedule.

セールは明日からはじまります。 (Seeru wa ashita kara hajimarimasu.)

You will also hear it in the context of nature and the passage of time. For example, 'Tsuyu ga hajimarimasu' (The rainy season is starting). In Japanese literature and media, the phrase 'Subete wa koko kara hajimarimashita' (Everything started from here) is a common trope to indicate the beginning of an epic journey or story. Because the verb is so fundamental, it appears in songs, movie titles, and news headlines. It is a word that carries the weight of a new beginning, whether that is a mundane daily task or a life-changing event. Recognizing the sound of 'hajimarimasu' in the wild will help you stay oriented in Japanese society, as it almost always signals that you should pay attention to what is coming next.
Digital Context
On YouTube or Twitch, Japanese creators often use 'Hajimarimasu!' as a title for their waiting screens before a live stream begins.

新しいドラマが来週からはじまります。 (Atarashii dorama ga raishuu kara hajimarimasu.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with はじまります (hajimarimasu) is confusing it with its transitive twin, はじめます (hajimemasu). In English, the word 'start' is used for both 'The class starts' and 'I start the class.' However, in Japanese, these are two distinct verbs. Using 'hajimarimasu' when you are the one performing the action is grammatically incorrect. You cannot say 'Watashi wa eiga ga hajimarimasu' to mean 'I will start the movie.' Instead, you must say 'Watashi wa eiga wo hajimemasu.'
Particle Errors
Another common pitfall is using the direct object particle 'wo' (を) with 'hajimarimasu'. Since it is intransitive, it cannot take a direct object. You must use 'ga' (が) or 'wa' (は).

Incorrect: 授業をはじまります。 (Jugyou wo hajimarimasu.)
Correct: 授業がはじまります。 (Jugyou ga hajimarimasu.)

Learners also often struggle with the past tense. They might use 'hajimarimasu' when referring to something that has already begun. For example, if you walk into a theater and the movie is already playing, you should say 'Eiga ga hajimarimashita' (The movie has started), not 'hajimarimasu'. The present form 'hajimarimasu' usually indicates a future or habitual start.
Confusion with 'Okiru'
Some students use 'hajimarimasu' for sudden accidents or events that 'happen.' For unplanned events like an earthquake or a fire, 'okiru' or 'okoru' is more appropriate. 'Hajimarimasu' usually implies a process or a scheduled event.

雨がはじまります。(Incorrect usage for rain)
雨が降り始めます。(Correct: It starts to rain.)

Lastly, avoid using 'hajimarimasu' for things that 'open' like a store. While a store's business hours 'start,' the store itself 'opens' (akimasu). Saying 'Mise ga hajimarimasu' sounds unnatural; instead, say 'Mise ga akimasu' or 'Eigyou ga hajimarimasu' (Business operations start). Being mindful of these nuances will significantly improve your fluency and prevent common misunderstandings with native speakers.
Politeness Levels
Be careful not to use 'hajimarimasu' in very informal settings with close friends where 'hajimaru' would be more natural. Conversely, in very formal business writing, 'kaishi itashimasu' might be preferred.

Incorrect: 私は勉強がはじまります。(I start studying - wrong focus)
Correct: 私は勉強をはじめます。(I start studying.)

While はじまります (hajimarimasu) is the most common way to say 'start,' several alternatives exist depending on the context and formality. Understanding these can help you sound more natural and precise.
開始する (Kaishi suru)
This is a more formal, technical term for 'commencing.' You see it in news reports, business documents, and computer interfaces. For example, 'Shiai kaishi' (Match start).

テストを開始します。(Starting the test - formal/professional.)

Another alternative is 幕が開く (Maku ga aku), which literally means 'the curtain opens.' This is an idiomatic way to say something has begun, particularly a performance, a new era, or a significant event. It adds a poetic or dramatic flair to your Japanese. For events that involve movement or travel, 出発する (Shuppatsu suru) (to depart/start a journey) is more appropriate. If you are talking about the origin of a new organization or system, 発足する (Hassoku suru) (to be inaugurated/launched) is the professional choice.
起こる (Okoru)
Used for unplanned occurrences, accidents, or natural phenomena. You wouldn't say a meeting 'okoru,' but you would say a fire 'okoru.'

新しい時代が幕を開けます。(A new era begins/the curtain opens.)

For those interested in the suffix usage, -hajimeru can be attached to the stem of other verbs to mean 'to start doing [verb].' For example, 'tabe-hajimeru' (start eating) or 'yomi-hajimeru' (start reading). This is a transitive construction that indicates the inception of a specific action. Lastly, the word 始まる (hajimaru) in its plain form is used in casual conversation among friends or in written prose. Knowing when to switch between these synonyms allows you to tailor your speech to your audience and the specific nature of the event you are describing.
Synonym Comparison Table
Hajimarimasu: General, polite, intransitive.
Hajimemasu: General, polite, transitive (I start it).
Kaishi: Formal, official, often used in nouns.
Okoru: Unplanned, negative events or natural phenomena.

彼は本を読み始めました。(He started reading the book.)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

授業がはじまります。

Class is starting.

Simple subject + ga + verb structure.

2

映画がはじまります。

The movie is starting.

Common use for entertainment events.

3

九時にはじまります。

It starts at nine.

Using 'ni' to mark a specific time.

4

もうすぐはじまります。

It will start soon.

'Mousugu' is a common adverb meaning 'soon'.

5

何時からはじまりますか。

What time does it start?

Question form with 'ka' and 'kara' for 'from'.

6

明日からはじまります。

It starts tomorrow.

'Ashita kara' indicates the starting day.

7

仕事がはじまります。

Work is starting.

Daily routine context.

8

パーティーがはじまりますよ。

The party is starting!

'Yo' adds emphasis and informs the listener.

1

来週から夏休みがはじまります。

Summer vacation starts next week.

Time expression + subject + verb.

2

会議は三時からにはじまります。

The meeting starts at three o'clock.

Topic marker 'wa' used for the meeting.

3

新しいドラマがはじまりますね。

A new drama is starting, isn't it?

'Ne' seeks agreement from the listener.

4

コンサートがはじまりました。

The concert has started.

Past tense 'mashita' for completed start.

5

十時になってもはじまりません。

It hasn't started even though it's ten.

Negative form 'masen'.

6

テストがはじまる前に勉強します。

I study before the test starts.

Using the dictionary form 'hajimaru' before 'mae ni'.

7

春がはじまると、花が咲きます。

When spring starts, flowers bloom.

Conditional 'to' with dictionary form.

8

どちらのクラスが先にはじまりますか。

Which class starts first?

Comparison using 'saki ni' (first/ahead).

1

新しい時代がここからはじまります。

A new era starts from here.

Abstract subject 'jidai' (era).

2

物語は不思議な森からはじまります。

The story begins in a mysterious forest.

Describing the setting of a narrative.

3

祭りがはじまって、町が賑やかになりました。

The festival started, and the town became lively.

Te-form 'hajimatte' used for sequencing.

4

彼らの戦いがまたはじまります。

Their battle begins again.

'Mata' means 'again'.

5

いつはじまるか、まだ分かりません。

I don't know yet when it will start.

Embedded question clause.

6

九時にはじまる予定です。

It is scheduled to start at nine.

Noun 'yotei' (plan/schedule) modified by the verb.

7

ようやく冬がはじまりましたね。

Winter has finally started, hasn't it?

'Yoyaku' (finally) adds nuance of waiting.

8

この番組は毎週月曜日にはじまります。

This program starts every Monday.

Habitual action in the present tense.

1

経済の回復がはじまると期待されています。

Economic recovery is expected to begin.

Complex subject with 'no' and passive expectation.

2

まもなく、第二幕がはじまります。

Shortly, the second act will begin.

Specific terminology 'dainimaku' (second act).

3

交渉がはじまる前に、条件を確認しましょう。

Before negotiations begin, let's confirm the conditions.

Formal context: 'koushou' (negotiation).

4

雨が降りはじまりました。

It has started to rain.

Compound verb using the stem of 'furu'.

5

事件の真相究明がはじまります。

The investigation into the truth of the incident begins.

Formal/Serious subject matter.

6

この伝統は江戸時代からはじまりました。

This tradition started from the Edo period.

Historical origin context.

7

セールがはじまると同時に、客が店に流れ込みました。

At the same time the sale started, customers rushed into the store.

'To douji ni' (at the same time as).

8

新しいプロジェクトが正式にはじまります。

The new project officially begins.

'Seishiki ni' (officially) adverbial use.

1

議論は、まず定義の確認からはじまります。

The discussion begins first with the confirmation of definitions.

Methodological 'hajimarimasu'.

2

彼の沈黙は、深い反省からはじまりました。

His silence began from deep reflection.

Abstract/Psychological origin.

3

宇宙の歴史は、ビッグバンからはじまりました。

The history of the universe started from the Big Bang.

Scientific/Grand scale context.

4

この物語がどのようにはじまるのか、非常に興味深いです。

How this story begins is extremely interesting.

Noun clause as a subject.

5

改革は、一人一人の意識の変化からはじまります。

Reform starts from a change in each individual's consciousness.

Philosophical/Social change context.

6

その争いは、些細な誤解からはじまりました。

The conflict started from a trivial misunderstanding.

Causal 'kara' with abstract subject.

7

式典は、国歌斉唱からはじまります。

The ceremony begins with the singing of the national anthem.

Ceremonial sequence.

8

すべては、あの一通の手紙からはじまったのです。

Everything started from that single letter.

Explanatory 'no desu' ending for emphasis.

1

存在の根源的な問いは、自己の認識からはじまります。

The fundamental question of existence begins with self-awareness.

Ontological/Philosophical discourse.

2

文明の曙光は、農耕の開始と共にはじまりました。

The dawn of civilization began along with the start of agriculture.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'shokou' (dawn/glimmer).

3

詩的な表現は、言葉の限界への挑戦からはじまります。

Poetic expression begins with a challenge to the limits of language.

Aesthetic/Literary theory.

4

政治的な混乱は、権力の空白からはじまりました。

Political chaos began from a power vacuum.

Political science context.

5

運命の歯車が静かにはじまりを告げました。

The gears of fate quietly announced the beginning.

Metaphorical use of the noun form 'hajimari'.

6

科学的探究は、飽くなき好奇心からはじまるものです。

Scientific inquiry is something that starts from insatiable curiosity.

'Mono desu' expressing a general truth.

7

この音楽の旋律は、静寂の中からはじまります。

The melody of this music begins from within the silence.

Musicology/Descriptive nuance.

8

社会制度の変革は、常に周縁からはじまるのです。

Transformation of social systems always begins from the periphery.

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