The word 'hajimeru' is the primary Japanese verb for starting anything new.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to indicate the start of an action or event.
- Commonly used in both formal and informal daily conversation.
- Often paired with nouns or other verb stems.
Overview
- 1概要：「はじめる（始める）」は、物事の開始点を表す最も基本的な動詞です。意志を持って何かを開始する場合や、自然に何かがスタートする場合の両方に使われます。2) 使用パターン：名詞を目的語にとる場合、「〜を始める」という形をとります。また、動詞の連用形（ます形からますを除いたもの）に「〜し始める」とつけることで、その動作が開始されたことを強調できます。3) 一般的な文脈：日常生活のあらゆる場面で使われます。勉強、仕事、趣味、あるいは新しい生活など、何か新しいステップを踏み出す際に必須の言葉です。4) 類語比較：「開始する」はより硬い表現で、ニュースやビジネスの公式な場で使われます。「はじめる」は日常会話から書き言葉まで幅広く使える中立的な表現です。「着手する」は、仕事やプロジェクトなど、具体的な作業に取り掛かるというニュアンスが強く、より限定的な場面で使われます。
Examples
新しい趣味をはじめる。
everydayI will start a new hobby.
会議を開始いたします。
formalI will start the meeting.
早く宿題をはじめてください。
informalPlease start your homework quickly.
研究をはじめるにあたって。
academicUpon starting the research.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
はじめまして
Nice to meet you (lit. 'it is the first time')
はじめから
From the beginning
はじめの一歩
The first step
Often Confused With
This is the intransitive counterpart. Use it when an event starts on its own without a specific agent.
A formal, Sino-Japanese compound used mostly in business or official settings.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'hajimeru' for general purposes. It is a versatile verb suitable for both casual and polite speech. For very formal writing, consider using 'kaishi suru'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 'hajimeru' with 'hajimaru'. Remember that if you are the one doing the starting, use 'hajimeru'. If the event just happens, use 'hajimaru'.
Tips
Use with verb stems for precision
Combine the stem of a verb with 'hajimeru' to describe exactly when an action starts. For example, 'tabehajimeru' means 'to start eating'.
Distinguish between transitive and intransitive
Remember that 'hajimeru' is transitive. You need a subject performing the action.
New beginnings in Japanese culture
April is the traditional month for 'hajimeru' in Japan, marking the start of the fiscal and school year.
Word Origin
Derived from the ancient Japanese verb 'hazumu', which relates to the springing or initial movement of something. It evolved to define the onset of an action.
Cultural Context
In Japan, the concept of 'hajimeru' is deeply tied to seasonal changes and the start of the school or fiscal year in April. It represents a fresh start and a renewed commitment to goals.
Memory Tip
Think of 'hajimaru' as the 'start' button on a machine, and 'hajimeru' as you 'pushing' that button.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「はじめる」は他動詞で、誰かが意図的に何かを開始するときに使います。一方、「はじまる」は自動詞で、物事が自然にスタートすることを表します。
はい、正しいです。動詞の連用形に接続することで、その動作が始まった瞬間や状態を具体的に表現できます。
はい、使えます。ただし、非常に公式な文書やスピーチでは「開始する」の方が好まれる場合があります。
過去形は「はじめた」になります。否定形は「はじめない」です。
Test Yourself
明日から新しい仕事を___。
未来の予定を表す文脈で、他動詞の基本形が適切です。
どれが正しいですか？
他動詞「はじめる」は、人が主体となって行う活動を目的語にとります。
（勉強を / 毎日 / はじめます / 8時に）
日本語の基本的な語順は「時間・場所・目的語・述語」です。
Score: /3
Summary
The word 'hajimeru' is the primary Japanese verb for starting anything new.
- Used to indicate the start of an action or event.
- Commonly used in both formal and informal daily conversation.
- Often paired with nouns or other verb stems.
Use with verb stems for precision
Combine the stem of a verb with 'hajimeru' to describe exactly when an action starts. For example, 'tabehajimeru' means 'to start eating'.
Distinguish between transitive and intransitive
Remember that 'hajimeru' is transitive. You need a subject performing the action.
New beginnings in Japanese culture
April is the traditional month for 'hajimeru' in Japan, marking the start of the fiscal and school year.
Examples
4 of 4新しい趣味をはじめる。
I will start a new hobby.
会議を開始いたします。
I will start the meeting.
早く宿題をはじめてください。
Please start your homework quickly.
研究をはじめるにあたって。
Upon starting the research.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
