It is an intransitive verb used to describe when something naturally or scheduled begins.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe the start of events or time
- An intransitive verb focusing on the occurrence
- Essential for daily communication in Japan
Overview
- 1概要：「はじまる（始まる）」は、ある物事や時間的なプロセスが開始されることを示す最も基本的な動詞です。文法的には自動詞であり、主語が何らかの動作や状態を開始する様子を表します。2) 使用パターン：名詞＋が＋はじまる、という構造が基本です。「授業が始まる」「会議が始まる」のように、特定の時間やイベントを主語に置くのが一般的です。3) 一般的な文脈：日常生活のあらゆる場面で使われます。学校、仕事、趣味のイベントなど、時間が経過とともに変化する状況において、その起点を示すために使用されます。4) 類語との比較：「はじめる（始める）」は他動詞であり、「私が会議を始める」のように、動作主が意図的に開始させる場合に使います。「はじまる」は事態が自然に、あるいは予定通りに開始する客観的な事実に焦点を当てています。
Examples
映画がはじまります。
everydayThe movie is starting.
式典が厳かにはじまった。
formalThe ceremony began solemnly.
夏休みがはじまったよ！
informalSummer vacation has started!
研究プロジェクトがはじまる予定だ。
academicThe research project is scheduled to begin.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
いよいよはじまる
It is finally starting
はじまったばかり
Just started
何からはじまるか
Where to start from
Often Confused With
Hajimeru is transitive. It requires an agent performing the action, whereas hajimaru happens naturally.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'hajimaru' for events occurring naturally or on a schedule. It is a very common verb in both spoken and written Japanese. Always pair it with the particle 'ga' to indicate the subject.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'o' instead of 'ga' because they confuse it with the transitive 'hajimeru'. Remember that intransitive verbs like this one do not take direct objects. Ensure you don't use it to describe human actions that require intent.
Tips
Focus on the subject particle GA
Since it is an intransitive verb, always use the particle 'ga' to mark the thing that is starting. Avoid using 'o' as it is reserved for transitive verbs.
Don't confuse with transitive verbs
Remember that 'hajimaru' describes the event happening by itself. Do not use it when you are the one starting the action.
Punctuality in Japanese culture
In Japan, events often 'start' exactly on time. Understanding 'hajimaru' is key to navigating professional and social schedules.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'hajimu', which denoted the emergence or origin of something. Over time, it evolved into the modern intransitive form used today.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'hajimaru' is deeply linked to the Japanese emphasis on punctuality. Being aware of when things 'start' is a fundamental social skill in Japan.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'ha-ji-ma-ru' (a start line) being crossed by an event. The event 'ga' starts itself!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「はじまる」は自動詞で、物事が開始される状態に注目します。「はじめる」は他動詞で、誰かが意図して開始させる動作に注目します。
過去形は「はじまりました」または「はじまった」となります。完了した出来事を報告する際によく使われます。
反対語は「おわる（終わる）」です。時間の区切りを示すペアとして頻繁にセットで使われます。
人そのものに使うことは稀です。人の活動や、その人が関わるイベントに対して使うのが自然です。
Test Yourself
もうすぐ授業___はじまります。
自動詞の「はじまる」の前には「が」を使います。
Score: /1
Summary
It is an intransitive verb used to describe when something naturally or scheduled begins.
- Used to describe the start of events or time
- An intransitive verb focusing on the occurrence
- Essential for daily communication in Japan
Focus on the subject particle GA
Since it is an intransitive verb, always use the particle 'ga' to mark the thing that is starting. Avoid using 'o' as it is reserved for transitive verbs.
Don't confuse with transitive verbs
Remember that 'hajimaru' describes the event happening by itself. Do not use it when you are the one starting the action.
Punctuality in Japanese culture
In Japan, events often 'start' exactly on time. Understanding 'hajimaru' is key to navigating professional and social schedules.
Examples
4 of 4映画がはじまります。
The movie is starting.
式典が厳かにはじまった。
The ceremony began solemnly.
夏休みがはじまったよ！
Summer vacation has started!
研究プロジェクトがはじまる予定だ。
The research project is scheduled to begin.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
