～始める
This is a Japanese verb ending that means to start doing something.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! The ending 'hajimeru' (～始める) is like a little helper for verbs in Japanese. When you add it to the end of a verb, it means 'to start doing' that action. For example, 'eat' is taberu. If you want to say 'start eating', you take the verb stem 'tabe' and add 'hajimeru' to get tabehajimeru. It's like saying you are beginning something new!
The suffix ～始める (hajimeru) is a common way to express the beginning of an action. You attach it to the stem of another verb. For example, if you want to say 'to start studying', you take the verb stem of 勉強する (benkyō suru - to study), which is 勉強し (benkyō shi), and add 始める to get 勉強し始める (benkyō shi hajimeru). This is useful for describing when an activity just kicked off.
The verbal suffix ～始める (hajimeru) is used to indicate the commencement of an action. It's appended to the masu-stem of a preceding verb. For instance, from the verb 読む (yomu - to read), the stem is 読み (yomi), resulting in 読み始める (yomihajimeru), meaning 'to start reading'. This construction is frequently used in both spoken and written Japanese to describe the initiation of an activity or process.
～始める (hajimeru) functions as an auxiliary verb suffix, attached to the conjunctive stem (masu-stem) of a main verb to signify the initiation of that verb's action. It adds a temporal nuance, emphasizing the point at which an activity begins. For example, 話し始める (hanashihajimeru) means 'to begin speaking'. Understanding its usage is key to grasping the precise timing of actions described in Japanese texts and conversations, distinguishing it from simply stating the action itself.
The verbal suffix ～始める (hajimeru) plays a crucial role in delineating the onset of an action. Its grammatical function involves its attachment to the masu-stem of a lexical verb, creating a compound verb that denotes the beginning phase of the primary action. This allows for subtle temporal distinctions, differentiating between an ongoing action and the precise moment it commences. For example, 働き始める (hataraki hajimeru) specifically refers to the point of starting work, rather than just working in general. Its idiomatic extensions, like 'ichi kara hajimeru' (starting from scratch), further highlight its semantic depth.
The suffix ～始める (hajimeru) represents a grammaticalized auxiliary verb form, affixed to the conjunctive stem of a matrix verb to encode the inception of the predicated action. Its historical roots lie in the independent verb 'hajimeru', signifying 'to begin'. This construction is a prime example of verb serialization in Japanese, allowing for nuanced temporal marking. The semantic contribution is not merely additive but modifies the aspectual profile of the main verb, focusing on the initiation event. Its usage spans a wide register, from colloquial speech to literary narrative, and understanding its subtle implications, such as the potential for idiomatic extension, is indicative of advanced linguistic competence.
Word in 30 Seconds
- ～始める is a verb suffix meaning 'to start doing'.
- It attaches to the masu-stem of another verb.
- Used for the beginning of an action, often in neutral contexts.
- Distinguish from the intransitive 始まる (to start).
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verbal suffix ～始める (hajimeru). You'll see this little powerhouse attached to the end of many verbs, and it's all about beginnings! Think of it as the 'start doing' button for actions. When you add ～始める to a verb stem, you're saying that the action is just kicking off. It's a really common way to express that something has just begun or is in its initial phase.
For instance, if you see 読み始める (yomihajimeru), it means 'to start reading'. The verb 読む (yomu) means 'to read', and adding ～始める tells us that the reading action has just begun. It’s a fundamental part of expressing progression in Japanese. You’ll find it in everyday conversations, books, and even in more formal writing. Mastering this suffix will unlock a whole new level of expressiveness in your Japanese!
The core of this suffix, 始める (hajimeru), is a verb in its own right, meaning 'to begin' or 'to start'. Historically, the verb hajimeru itself likely evolved from older Japanese forms related to 'opening' or 'unfolding'. The concept of 'starting' is universal, and languages develop various ways to express it. In Japanese, attaching it as a suffix to another verb stem is a very efficient grammatical structure.
This kind of compound verb formation, where one verb modifies the meaning of another, is common in Japanese. It allows for nuanced expression without needing entirely new vocabulary. The structure is quite old, appearing in classical Japanese literature. Over time, hajimeru solidified its role as a common auxiliary verb, indicating the onset of an action. Its usage has remained consistent, making it a stable and essential part of the Japanese language for centuries.
You'll use ～始める constantly when you want to talk about the very moment an action begins. It's attached to the masu-stem (the part of the verb that comes before -masu) of the preceding verb. For example, from 話す (hanasu - to speak), the masu-stem is 話し (hanashi), so you get 話し始める (hanashihajimeru) - 'to start speaking'.
It's generally used in a neutral to slightly formal context, but it's so common that it fits into most everyday situations. You wouldn't typically use it in extremely casual slang, but for standard conversation and writing, it's perfect. Think about when you're describing someone starting a new hobby, beginning a task, or even just the weather starting to change. It’s versatile! Common collocations include verbs related to activities: 勉強し始める (benkyō shihajimeru - to start studying), 働き始める (hataraki hajimeru - to start working), and 泣き始める (nakihajimeru - to start crying).
While ～始める itself is a grammatical suffix rather than a standalone word in idioms, the concept of 'beginning' is rich in Japanese expressions. Here are some related ideas:
- 一から始める (ichi kara hajimeru): This literally means 'to start from one' but is used idiomatically to mean 'to start from scratch' or 'to begin anew'. Example: 新しいプロジェクトを一から始めることにしました。(Atarashii purojekuto o ichi kara hajimeru koto ni shimashita.) - We decided to start the new project from scratch.
- 初心に帰る (shoshin ni kaeru): This means 'to return to one's original intention' or 'to go back to basics'. While it doesn't use 始める directly, it captures the spirit of restarting with a fresh perspective. Example: 忙しくなっても、初心に帰ることが大切です。(Isogashiku natte mo, shoshin ni kaeru koto ga taisetsu desu.) - Even when things get busy, it's important to return to your original intentions.
- 口火を切る (kuchibiru o kiru): This idiom means 'to strike the first blow' or 'to make the first move', often in starting a conversation or conflict. Example: 誰が最初に話し始めるか、皆が注目していた。(Dare ga saisho ni hanashi hajimeru ka, minna ga chūmoku shite ita.) - Everyone was watching to see who would start speaking first.
- 幕を開ける (maku o akeru): Literally 'to open the curtain', this is used for the start of a performance, event, or a new era. Example: 新しい時代が幕を開けました。(Atarashii jidai ga maku o akemashita.) - A new era has begun.
- 物事を始める (monogoto o hajimeru): This is a more general phrase meaning 'to start things' or 'to commence affairs'. Example: 彼はいつも新しい物事を始めるのが早いです。(Kare wa itsumo atarashii monogoto o hajimeru no ga hayai desu.) - He's always quick to start new things.
Grammar: ～始める is attached to the masu-stem of a verb. The masu-stem is typically formed by removing the final '-u' sound from the dictionary form of a Group 1 verb (e.g., 読む yomu -> 読み yomi) or by removing the '-masu' from the polite form for Group 2 verbs (e.g., 食べる taberu -> 食べ tabe). So, you conjugate the main verb first, then add 始める. For example, 勉強する (benkyō suru - to study) becomes 勉強し始める (benkyō shi hajimeru). It conjugates like a regular Group 2 verb: 始めます (hajimemasu), 始めない (hajimenai), 始めた (hajimeta).
Pronunciation: The pronunciation is straightforward. は (ha), じ (ji), め (me), る (ru). When attached to a verb stem, the stress usually falls naturally on the syllables of the main verb and then on the 'ha' of 始める. For example, in tabehajimeru (た・べ・は・じ・め・る), the emphasis is generally spread across the syllables, with a slight natural rise on 'ta' and 'ha'. There aren't specific pronunciation pitfalls for this suffix itself, as it follows standard Japanese phonetic rules.
Fun Fact
The kanji 始 itself visually suggests the beginning of something, perhaps like a seed sprouting or a thread being unraveled.
Pronunciation Guide
The 'h' is aspirated, 'ji' is like the 'g' in 'gem', 'me' is standard, 'ru' is a light flap sound, similar to the 'tt' in 'butter' in American English.
Similar to UK pronunciation. The 'ji' sound is key, and the 'ru' is often a tapped 'r'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ji' as 'jee' (like in 'jeep'). It should be softer, like 'jee' in 'jeopardy'.
- Over-aspirating the 'h' sound.
- Making the 'ru' sound too strong, like an English 'roo'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize, understanding nuance requires practice.
Requires correct stem formation and understanding of transitive/intransitive.
Relatively easy to pronounce, but choosing the right verb stem is key.
Commonly heard, context helps distinguish meaning.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Masu-stem Formation)
読む (yomu) -> 読み (yomi)
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
始める (transitive) vs. 始まる (intransitive)
Compound Verbs
Verb + Auxiliary Verb structure
Examples by Level
I start eating.
I / start / eat
Verb stem + 始める
He starts to read.
He / start / read
Verb stem + 始める
She starts to run.
She / start / run
Verb stem + 始める
We start to sing.
We / start / sing
Verb stem + 始める
It starts to rain.
It / start / rain
Verb stem + 始める
You start to draw.
You / start / draw
Verb stem + 始める
They start to play.
They / start / play
Verb stem + 始める
I start to sleep.
I / start / sleep
Verb stem + 始める
彼は本を読み始める。
He / book / read-start.
Verb stem + 始める
雨が降り始める。
Rain / fall-start.
Verb stem + 始める
彼女は歌い始める。
She / sing-start.
Verb stem + 始める
仕事が始まりました。
Work / start-polite.
Verb stem + 始める (polite form)
子供たちは遊び始める。
Children / play-start.
Verb stem + 始める
彼は話し始める。
He / speak-start.
Verb stem + 始める
新しい生活が始まる。
New / life / start.
Verb stem + 始める
私は勉強し始める。
I / study-start.
Verb stem + 始める
会議が午前9時に始まりました。
Meeting / at 9 AM / started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, polite)
彼は突然笑い始めた。
He / suddenly / laugh-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense)
新しいプロジェクトを始めましょう。
New / project / let's start.
Verb stem + 始める (volitional form)
夜になって、虫が鳴き始めた。
Night / became, / insects / chirp-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense)
彼女は絵を描き始めた。
She / picture / draw-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense)
その話を聞いて、彼は泣き始めた。
That / story / heard, / he / cry-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense)
冬が近づき、空気が冷たくなり始めた。
Winter / approaching, / air / cold-become-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense)
彼は外国語を学び始めた。
He / foreign language / study-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense)
長年の夢だった、自分の店を開き始めた。
Long-held / dream / was, / own / shop / open-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, expressing achievement)
彼は突然、真剣な顔で話し始めた。
He / suddenly / serious / face / with / speak-started.
Verb stem + 始める (emphasizing change in manner)
この地域では、最近、新しい文化が芽生え始めている。
This / region / in, / recently, / new / culture / sprout-begin-is.
Verb stem + 始める (present progressive, figurative)
夜更かしし始めたら、なかなか止められない。
Staying up late / start-doing, / really / stop-cannot.
Verb stem + 始める (gerund form, expressing habit formation)
彼女は新しい趣味として、陶芸を始めました。
She / new / hobby / as, / pottery / started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, specifying context)
そのニュースを聞いて、人々は不安を感じ始めた。
That / news / heard, / people / anxiety / feel-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, describing collective emotion)
春になると、山々が緑に染まり始める。
Spring / comes, / mountains / in green / dye-begin.
Verb stem + 始める (present tense, descriptive)
彼は自分の考えを、丁寧に説明し始めた。
He / his / thoughts / carefully / explain-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, describing manner of action)
長年の沈黙を破り、彼はついに自らの経験を語り始めた。
Years of silence / breaking, / he / finally / his own / experiences / speak-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, literary tone, emphasizing breaking a silence)
経済の低迷が続く中、一部の企業ではリストラが始まりつつある。
Economy's / slump / continuing / amid, / some / companies / in / restructuring / starting-is-gradually.
Verb stem + 始める (present progressive, indicating a gradual start)
その芸術家の作品には、しばしば社会への批判が込められ始めている。
That / artist's / works / in, / often / society / towards / criticism / be-contained-started.
Verb stem + 始める (present progressive, figurative, indicating a developing theme)
彼は、長年抱えていたコンプレックスを克服しようと、自己分析を始めた。
He / long-held / complex / overcome / try, / self-analysis / started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, indicating a conscious effort to begin a process)
その地域では、近年、観光客誘致のための様々な取り組みが試みられ始めている。
That / region / in, / recent years, / tourists / attract / for / various / initiatives / be-tried-started.
Verb stem + 始める (present progressive, indicating emerging trends)
彼女の言葉は、周囲の人々の心に静かな変化をもたらし始めた。
Her / words / surrounding / people's / hearts / in / quiet / change / bring-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, figurative, describing subtle influence)
技術の進歩に伴い、私たちの生活様式も変化し始めている。
Technology's / progress / with, / our / lifestyles / also / change-begin-is.
Verb stem + 始める (present progressive, indicating societal shifts)
彼は、長年の疑問に対する答えを探求すべく、古文書の解読を始めた。
He / long-held / questions / towards / answers / seek, / ancient documents / decipherment / started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, indicating the start of a scholarly pursuit)
その作家は、従来の物語構造を解体し、読者の認識を揺さぶる新たな表現形式を模索し始めた。
That / author / traditional / narrative / structure / dismantle, / reader's / perception / shake / new / expression / forms / explore-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, literary, denoting a radical shift in artistic approach)
グローバル化の波は、地域社会の文化的多様性を浸食し始めると同時に、新たな交流の機会も創出しつつある。
Globalization's / wave / regional / communities' / cultural diversity / erode-begin-while, / new / exchange / opportunities / also / create-is-gradually.
Verb stem + 始める (present progressive, complex temporal and causal relationship)
彼の芸術的探求は、具象的な表現から抽象的な概念へと移行し始め、観る者に深い思索を促した。
His / artistic / exploration / concrete / representation / from / abstract / concepts / towards / shift-begin, / viewers / deep / contemplation / prompted.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, describing an artistic evolution)
社会構造の変動期においては、既存の価値観が相対化され、新たな倫理観が模索され始める傾向が見られる。
Social structure's / period of change / in, / existing / values / relativized / be, / new / ethical views / be-sought-begin / tendency / is-seen.
Verb stem + 始める (present tense, academic, describing a societal trend)
その哲学者は、人間の意識の根源を探るべく、既存の認識論的枠組みを超克する試みを始めようとしていた。
That / philosopher / human / consciousness's / root / explore / in order to, / existing / epistemological / frameworks / overcome / attempt / start-intend-was.
Verb stem + 始める (used with ようとする, indicating an intention to begin)
デジタル技術の急速な普及は、コミュニケーションのあり方を根本から変容させ始め、人間関係の力学にも影響を与えている。
Digital technology's / rapid / spread / communication's / way / fundamentally / transform-begin, / human relationships' / dynamics / also / influence / is-giving.
Verb stem + 始める (present progressive, indicating a fundamental shift)
彼は、自己の存在意義を問い直す過程で、内省的な詩作へと傾倒し始めた。
He / self's / meaning of existence / question again / process / in, / introspective / poetry creation / towards / become devoted-started.
Verb stem + 始める (past tense, signifying a deep personal turn towards an activity)
歴史の転換点において、旧弊な制度は解体され、より進歩的な社会システムが構築され始める。
History's / turning point / at, / old/outdated / systems / dismantled / be, / more / progressive / social systems / constructed-begin.
Verb stem + 始める (present tense, describing a historical process)
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"一から始める (ichi kara hajimeru)"
To start from scratch; to begin anew.
失敗したので、プロジェクトを一から始めることになった。
neutral"口火を切る (kuchibiru o kiru)"
To make the first move; to initiate a conversation or action.
彼が最初に話し始めたことで、会議が動き出した。
neutral"物事を始める (monogoto o hajimeru)"
To start things; to commence affairs.
新しいことを始めるのは、いつもワクワクする。
neutral"独学で始める (dokugaku de hajimeru)"
To start learning something by oneself; to self-teach.
彼は独学でプログラミングを始めました。
neutral"人生を始める (jinsei o hajimeru)"
To start a new life; often implies a significant life change like marriage or moving.
結婚を機に、新しい人生を始めた。
neutral"本格的に始める (honkaku teki ni hajimeru)"
To start something seriously or in earnest.
彼は本格的にギターを弾き始めた。
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to the concept of 'starting'.
始まる is intransitive ('something starts'), while ～始める is a transitive suffix ('someone starts doing something').
授業が始まる (Jugyō ga hajima-ru - The class starts). vs. 私は授業を始めました (Watashi wa jugyō o hajime-mashita - I started the class).
Both are verb suffixes indicating the start of an action.
～出す often implies a more sudden or abrupt start, while ～始める is more neutral.
泣き始めた (naki hajime-ta - started crying, neutral) vs. 泣き出した (naki dashi-ta - burst into tears, sudden).
Both relate to the beginning phase of an action.
～かける means 'to be about to do' or 'to start doing (but maybe not finish)', focusing on the initial stage or intention. ～始める means the action has definitively begun.
食べかける (tabe kake-ru - to be about to eat / start eating) vs. 食べ始める (tabe hajime-ru - to start eating).
They represent opposite temporal phases of an action.
～始める indicates the beginning, while ～終わる indicates the end or completion.
勉強し始める (benkyō shi hajime-ru - to start studying) vs. 勉強し終わる (benkyō shi owa-ru - to finish studying).
Sentence Patterns
Verb (masu-stem) + 始める
彼は本を読み始めた。
Noun + を + Verb (suru stem) + 始める
彼女は絵を描き始めた。
Verb (masu-stem) + 始める + Verb (masu-form)
食べ始めました (tabe hajime-mashita) - Started eating.
Verb (masu-stem) + 始める + の + が + Adjective
彼が話し始めるのが面白い。
Verb (masu-stem) + 始める + こと + に + なる/する
明日から運動を始めることにしました。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
The suffix ～始める attaches to the masu-stem (or conjunctive stem) of the verb, not the dictionary form.
～始める is used when 'someone/something' starts doing an action (transitive). 始まる is used when an event 'starts' on its own (intransitive).
You need a verb stem. For example, you can't say 'red-start' (赤い始める - akai hajimeru).
Remember that ～始める conjugates like a regular Group 2 verb (e.g., 始めます, 始めた, 始めない).
While ～始める is useful, sometimes just the main verb is enough. Don't add it if the 'starting' aspect isn't crucial.
Tips
Connect to a Name!
Remember 'Hajime' is a common Japanese name. Imagine 'Hajime' starting a new activity – maybe running or reading! This helps link the sound to the meaning 'to start'.
Focus on the 'First Step'
Use ～始める when you want to emphasize the very beginning of an action, the 'first step' being taken, rather than the action itself or its completion.
New Beginnings are Important
Japanese culture often values new beginnings and fresh starts. Recognizing this context can help you appreciate the frequency and importance of expressions using ～始める.
Masu-Stem is Key!
Always remember to attach ～始める to the masu-stem (the part before -masu) of the main verb. Practice forming masu-stems for common verbs!
Soften the 'Ji'
Pay attention to the 'ji' sound in 始める (hajimeru). It's softer than the English 'jee' sound. Practice saying 'jee' as in 'jeopardy' to get it right.
Don't Use with Nouns/Adjectives!
A common mistake is trying to attach ～始める to non-verbs. Remember: it *must* follow a verb stem. You can't say 'red-start'.
It's a Verb Within a Verb!
Think of ～始める as a mini-verb ('to start') that gets added onto another verb, creating a compound verb that expresses a more specific meaning.
Create Your Own Examples
Instead of just memorizing, try making 5 sentences about *your* day using ～始める. 'I started drinking coffee,' 'I started my homework,' etc. This makes it personal and memorable.
Distinguish from 始まる
Remember the difference: ～始める is for when *you* (or a specific subject) start doing something. 始まる is for when something *starts* on its own (like a class or a movie).
Conjugation Practice
Practice conjugating ～始める itself: 始めます (polite present), 始めた (plain past), 始めない (plain negative), 始めたい (want to start).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Hajime' (a common Japanese name) starting something new, like a race! 'Hajime starts running!'
Visual Association
Imagine a stopwatch starting, with the word 'START' flashing, attached to the end of another action word.
Word Web
Challenge
Try making sentences using 5 different verbs with ～始める. For example: 'I started studying Japanese.'
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: The verb 始める (hajimeru) originally meant 'to open', 'to unfold', or 'to begin'.
Cultural Context
No particular cultural sensitivity associated with this suffix itself, though the context of what is being started might require cultural awareness.
In English-speaking cultures, the concept of 'starting' is expressed through various verbs like 'start', 'begin', 'commence', 'initiate', etc. The Japanese ～始める suffix provides a concise way to add this nuance directly to another verb.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Starting a new activity/hobby
- 新しい趣味を始めました。
- いつからダンスを始めましたか？
- 本格的に勉強し始める。
Beginning of a process/event
- 会議が始まりました。
- 雨が降り始めた。
- 新しいプロジェクトが始まりつつある。
Describing personal changes
- 健康のために走り始めた。
- 考え方が変わり始めた。
- 昔の自分を思い出し始めた。
Work/School
- 働き始めたのは20歳からです。
- 新しいクラスで勉強し始めた。
- 仕事を辞めて、自分でビジネスを始めました。
Conversation Starters
"最近、何か新しいことを始めましたか？ (Saikin, nanika atarashii koto o hajime-mashita ka?) - Have you started anything new recently?"
"いつから日本語を勉強し始めましたか？ (Itsu kara Nihongo o benkyō shi hajime-mashita ka?) - When did you start studying Japanese?"
"この映画、面白そうですね。見始めましょうか？ (Kono eiga, omoshiro-sō desu ne. Mi hajime-mashō ka?) - This movie looks interesting, shall we start watching it?"
"子供の頃、どんな遊びを始めましたか？ (Kodomo no koro, donna asobi o hajime-mashita ka?) - What games did you start playing when you were a child?"
"新しい季節になって、何か始めたいことはありますか？ (Atarashii kisetsu ni natte, nanika hajime-tai koto wa arimasu ka?) - With the new season starting, is there anything you want to begin?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you started something new and how it felt. Use ～始める in your sentences.
What is one skill you've always wanted to learn? Write about when and how you might start learning it.
Think about a significant change in your life. When did that change begin? Describe the start of that process.
Write a short story about someone who decided to start a new adventure. Use ～始める to describe the beginning of their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions～始める is transitive (e.g., 'I start eating'), while 始まる is intransitive (e.g., 'The movie starts'). You use ～始める when a subject actively starts doing something, and 始まる when something begins by itself.
Generally, yes, as long as it makes logical sense. It attaches to the masu-stem (conjunctive stem) of most Japanese verbs.
They are similar, but ～出す often implies a more sudden or unexpected start, while ～始める is more neutral about the manner of beginning.
For Group 1 verbs (u-verbs), change the final 'u' sound to 'i' (e.g., 読む yomu -> 読み yomi). For Group 2 verbs (ru-verbs), drop the final 'ru' (e.g., 食べる taberu -> 食べ tabe).
Yes, it can be used figuratively, like '変化し始める' (henka shi hajimeru - to start to change) or '理解し始める' (rikai shi hajimeru - to start to understand).
It's an idiom meaning 'to start from scratch' or 'to begin completely anew'.
It's quite versatile and generally considered neutral. It's common in both everyday conversation and standard written Japanese.
Yes, like any other verb. For example, 始めました (hajime-mashita) means 'started' (polite), and 始めた (hajime-ta) means 'started' (plain).
Test Yourself
私はご飯を＿＿＿＿＿。
We need the form that means 'start eating'. 食べ始める (tabehajimeru) fits perfectly.
Which sentence means 'He started to study'?
The structure Verb(stem) + 始める is used to mean 'start doing'. 勉強し始めた specifically means 'started studying'.
The suffix ～始める can be attached to adjectives like 'beautiful' (美しい - utsukushii) to mean 'start being beautiful'.
False. ～始める is a verb suffix and must be attached to the stem of another verb, not adjectives or nouns.
Word
Meaning
These pairs correctly match the Japanese verb constructions with their English meanings, all using the ～始める suffix.
The correct sentence is 彼女が歌い始めた (Kanojo ga utai hajime-ta), meaning 'She started singing'.
子供が＿＿＿＿。
We need the form meaning 'start sleeping'. 寝始める (ne hajimeru) is the correct choice.
Which phrase best translates to 'to start from scratch'?
'Ichi kara hajimeru' is the standard idiom for starting from scratch or from the very beginning.
The suffix ～始める can sometimes imply a gradual onset, similar to ～つつある (tsutsu aru).
While not its primary meaning, in certain contexts, especially with verbs describing processes, ～始める can suggest a gradual beginning, similar to the nuance of ～つつある.
The correct sentence is 雨が降り始めた (Ame ga furi hajime-ta), meaning 'It started to rain'.
彼は新しい仕事に＿＿＿＿。
The sentence implies the beginning of the new job. 就き始めた (tsuki hajime-ta) means 'started working/taking up the job'.
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Summary
Mastering ～始める allows you to precisely describe the initiation of any action, adding dynamic nuance to your Japanese.
- ～始める is a verb suffix meaning 'to start doing'.
- It attaches to the masu-stem of another verb.
- Used for the beginning of an action, often in neutral contexts.
- Distinguish from the intransitive 始まる (to start).
Connect to a Name!
Remember 'Hajime' is a common Japanese name. Imagine 'Hajime' starting a new activity – maybe running or reading! This helps link the sound to the meaning 'to start'.
Focus on the 'First Step'
Use ～始める when you want to emphasize the very beginning of an action, the 'first step' being taken, rather than the action itself or its completion.
New Beginnings are Important
Japanese culture often values new beginnings and fresh starts. Recognizing this context can help you appreciate the frequency and importance of expressions using ～始める.
Masu-Stem is Key!
Always remember to attach ～始める to the masu-stem (the part before -masu) of the main verb. Practice forming masu-stems for common verbs!
Related Content
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.
