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はじめる

A2 verb #450 最常用 13分钟阅读

はじめる

hajimeru 前450

At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic transitive use of はじめる (hajimeru). The goal is to understand that 'hajimeru' means 'to start' something. Students learn to use it with simple nouns and the particle 'wo'. For example, 'benkyou o hajimemasu' (I start studying) or 'shukudai o hajimemasu' (I start homework). At this stage, the focus is on the polite '-masu' form. Learners are taught to distinguish it from 'owaru' (to end). The concept of transitivity is introduced simply: you are the one doing the starting. We avoid complex compound verbs and focus on clear, daily activities. Vocabulary is kept to common nouns like 'shigoto' (work), 'gohan' (meal), and 'jugyou' (class). The main challenge for A1 students is remembering to use 'wo' with 'hajimeru' and not confusing it with 'hajimaru' yet, though the distinction is usually introduced later. By the end of A1, a student should be able to announce that they are starting a basic task.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of はじめる to include the 'V-stem + hajimeru' construction. This is a significant step, as it allows them to describe the start of any action, not just noun-based ones. They learn to say things like 'yomihajimeru' (start reading) or 'tabehajimeru' (start eating). The conjugation of 'hajimeru' as an Ichidan verb is solidified, including the past tense 'hajimeta' and the negative 'hajimenai'. A2 learners also begin to distinguish between 'hajimeru' (transitive) and '始まる (hajimaru)' (intransitive) in simple contexts, such as 'The movie starts' vs 'I start the movie'. They use the verb to talk about new hobbies, habits, and schedules. The focus is on practical, everyday communication, such as telling a friend 'I started learning guitar' or 'It started raining'. They also learn the polite 'Let's start' form, 'hajimemashou', which is useful for group activities.

At the B1 level, learners develop a more nuanced understanding of はじめる and its role in complex sentences. They use it in various grammatical structures, such as 'hajimeru koto ni shita' (decided to start) or 'hajimeru tsumori da' (intend to start). The distinction between 'hajimeru' and other 'start' verbs like '-dasu' (sudden start) is introduced. B1 students learn to use 'hajimeru' to describe the onset of states or long-term processes, such as 'saikin, futori-hajimeta' (recently, I've started to gain weight). They also explore the potential form 'hajimerareru' (can start) and the conditional forms like 'hajimetara' (if/when I start). The use of 'hajimeru' in business contexts becomes more prominent, including formal phrases like 'kaigi o hajimesasete itadakimasu' (allow me to start the meeting). They are expected to use the correct particles (wo vs ga) consistently when 'hajimeru' is part of a compound verb involving intransitive actions.

At the B2 level, learners master the stylistic differences between はじめる and its formal synonyms like '開始する (kaishi suru)' or '着手する (chakushu suru)'. They understand when to use 'hajimeru' for a personal touch and when to use 'kaishi' for professional or objective reporting. B2 students can use 'hajimeru' in passive and causative-passive constructions, although these are less common. They also become proficient in using 'hajimeru' to describe abstract concepts, such as 'starting a new era' or 'initiating a social movement'. The nuance of 'intentionality' is deeply understood; they know that 'hajimeru' implies a deliberate act. They can also handle 'hajimeru' in complex relative clauses and as part of long, descriptive sentences. Their ability to choose between 'hajimeru' and '-dasu' becomes instinctive, allowing them to convey the 'suddenness' or 'deliberateness' of an action accurately in storytelling and formal presentations.

At the C1 level, learners appreciate the literary and rhetorical uses of はじめる. They encounter it in classical-style literature or high-level journalism where it might be used to frame an entire narrative or argument. They understand the historical etymology of the word and its relationship to other 'beginning' roots like 'moto' or 'saki'. C1 students can discuss the philosophical implications of 'starting' (the concept of 'shoshin' or beginner's mind) using 'hajimeru' and its derivatives. They are sensitive to the rhythm and tone that 'hajimeru' adds to a sentence compared to more clinical terms. They can also use the verb in highly specific idiomatic expressions and understand its role in traditional arts (like the 'start' of a tea ceremony). Their mastery allows them to use 'hajimeru' to create subtle emotional effects in their writing, distinguishing between a 'soft start' and a 'firm initiation'.

At the C2 level, mastery of はじめる is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The learner can use the verb to navigate the most delicate social situations, choosing the exact level of politeness and nuance required. They can analyze the use of 'hajimeru' in ancient texts (where it might appear in older forms like 'hajimu') and understand how its usage has evolved. C2 speakers can use 'hajimeru' in complex wordplay, puns, or poetic structures. They have a complete grasp of all potential collocations, including rare and archaic ones. They can also provide deep linguistic explanations of why 'hajimeru' is used over other synonyms in specific literary masterpieces. For a C2 learner, 'hajimeru' is not just a verb but a versatile tool for expressing the very essence of inception, agency, and the flow of time in the Japanese worldview.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

はじめる 30秒了解

Hajimeru is a transitive verb meaning 'to start' or 'to begin' something.
It is an Ichidan (Group 2) verb, conjugating simply by dropping '-ru'.
It can be used with nouns (Object + を + はじめる) or as a verb suffix (Stem + はじめる).
It differs from 'hajimaru' (intransitive) because it requires an agent to perform the start.

The Japanese verb はじめる (hajimeru) is a fundamental pillar of the Japanese language, primarily functioning as a transitive verb that translates to 'to start' or 'to begin' in English. At its core, this verb describes an action where an agent—usually a person—initiates a process, a task, or a new habit. Understanding the nuance of hajimeru requires recognizing its transitive nature; it implies that someone is actively causing something to start. This is a vital distinction from its intransitive counterpart, 始まる (hajimaru), which describes something starting on its own or the state of a start occurring. When you use hajimeru, you are the driver of the action. For example, when you say you are starting a new job, a new hobby, or even just opening a book to read, hajimeru is your go-to verb. It carries a sense of intention and volition.

Transitive Usage: The subject performs the action of starting an object. For instance, 'I start the meeting' (会議をはじめる).

新しい趣味をはじめることにしました。 (I have decided to start a new hobby.)

Beyond its standalone use, hajimeru is incredibly versatile as an auxiliary verb. When attached to the stem of another verb, it indicates the commencement of that specific action. This 'V-stem + hajimeru' construction is one of the most common ways to express 'to start doing something' in Japanese. For example, yomihajimeru means 'to start reading,' and tabehajimeru means 'to start eating.' This grammatical flexibility makes it an essential tool for describing the progression of events in daily life. Whether you are talking about the onset of a natural phenomenon like rain (though furihajimeru is common, hajimaru is also used for the rain itself), or the beginning of a complex project, this verb provides the necessary framework to describe the 'point of origin' for any activity. In social contexts, hajimeru is used across all levels of politeness. In a business setting, you might hear the formal hajimemasu when a chairperson opens a session. In a casual setting, a friend might say hajimeyou! (Let's start!) before playing a video game. The verb is also deeply embedded in Japanese cultural concepts of 'beginnings,' such as kaki-zome (the first calligraphy of the year), which is a specific type of 'starting.'

Auxiliary Verb Role: Attached to the Masu-stem of verbs to indicate the start of an action. Example: 書きはじめる (start writing).

雨が降りはじめました。 (It has started to rain.)

Culturally, the act of starting is often celebrated or marked with specific rituals in Japan. The school year and fiscal year both 'hajimeru' in April, a time associated with cherry blossoms and renewal. Using this verb correctly signals that you understand the agency involved in these transitions. It is not just that time passes; it is that people initiate new phases of their lives.

Intentionality: Unlike 'hajimaru', 'hajimeru' implies a conscious decision to start something. It reflects the speaker's or subject's will.

そろそろ仕事をはじめましょうか。 (Shall we start work soon?)

In summary, hajimeru is more than just a translation of 'start.' It is a verb of action, agency, and connection. Whether you are starting a conversation, a meal, or a new life chapter, mastering hajimeru allows you to express the dynamic energy of taking that first step. It is the verb of the 'first move,' making it indispensable for any learner navigating the Japanese-speaking world.

Using はじめる (hajimeru) correctly involves understanding two primary grammatical structures: its use as a standalone transitive verb and its use as a suffix in compound verbs. As a standalone verb, it follows the standard [Subject] は [Object] をはじめる pattern. Because it is an Ichidan verb (also known as Group 2 or Ru-verbs), its conjugation is straightforward: you simply drop the final -ru and add the desired suffix, such as -masu, -ta, or -te.

Basic Transitive Pattern: [Noun] をはじめる. This is used when you are initiating a noun-based activity. Example: 勉強をはじめる (Start studying).

彼は来月から一人暮らしをはじめます。 (He will start living alone from next month.)

When hajimeru functions as an auxiliary verb, it creates a compound verb that emphasizes the start of a specific action. To form this, take the masu-stem of any verb (the part that remains after removing -masu) and attach hajimeru directly to it. For example, the verb yomu (to read) becomes yomimasu in its polite form. The stem is yomi. Thus, 'to start reading' is yomihajimeru. This construction is incredibly productive and can be applied to almost any action verb.

Compound Verb Pattern: [Verb Stem] + はじめる. This focuses on the inception of the action itself. Example: 走りはじめる (Start running).

赤ちゃんがようやく歩きはじめました。 (The baby has finally started to walk.)

Another important aspect is the use of hajimeru in the -te iru form. Hajimete iru implies that someone has already started something and is currently in the state of having begun it, or is in the process of starting a series of things. However, more commonly, you will see the past tense hajimeta to indicate that the start has already occurred. In contrast, the potential form hajimerareru (can start) is used when discussing the possibility or ability to initiate something. In polite speech, hajimemashou is a very common way to say 'Let's begin.' This is frequently heard in classrooms, meetings, and before performances. It sets a collaborative tone, inviting others to join in the start of an activity. Conversely, the command form hajimero is very strong and usually limited to sports coaching, military contexts, or very rough speech. For a softer command, one might use hajimete kudasai (Please start).

Politeness and Social Nuance: Use 'hajimemashou' for a polite 'Let's start' and 'hajimete kudasai' for a polite 'Please start'. These are essential for classroom and office etiquette.

準備ができたら、はじめてください。 (Please start once you are ready.)

Finally, it is worth noting that hajimeru is often used with time-related adverbs like mousugu (soon), yoyaku (finally), or kyuu-ni (suddenly). These adverbs help define the nature of the beginning. For example, kyuu-ni naki-hajimeru (suddenly start crying) paints a vivid picture of an abrupt change in state. By combining these elements—proper particles, stem-attachment, and descriptive adverbs—you can use hajimeru to describe a vast array of human experiences and natural events with precision and natural flow.

You will encounter はじめる (hajimeru) in almost every corner of Japanese life, from the most formal ceremonies to the most casual conversations. Its ubiquity stems from its fundamental role in structuring time and activity. In a professional environment, hajimeru is the standard verb for initiating projects, meetings, and business ventures. You will hear it in phrases like atarashii purojekuto o hajimeru (to start a new project) or kaigi o hajimemasu (I will start the meeting). In these contexts, it signals a transition into 'work mode' and is often accompanied by a bow or a formal greeting like yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

In the Workplace: Used to signal the start of tasks, meetings, or business quarters. It denotes professional initiative and organized planning.

定例会議をはじめたいと思います。 (I would like to start the regular meeting.)

In educational settings, teachers use hajimeru constantly. At the beginning of a lesson, a teacher might say jugyou o hajimemasu (The class will begin). When giving a test, they will say hajime! (Start!), which is the standard imperative used in timed activities. Students also use it when discussing their study habits, such as eigo o narai-hajimeta (I started learning English). The word is synonymous with the 'start' of a journey of learning. In the realm of media and entertainment, hajimeru is a frequent guest in song lyrics, anime titles, and movie dialogue. It often carries an emotional weight, representing the start of an adventure or a change in a character's heart. For instance, a protagonist might say koko kara hajimeyou (Let's start from here), implying a fresh start after a failure. In news broadcasts, you will hear it in reports about new government policies or the start of seasonal events, such as matsuri ga hajimaru (the festival starts—intransitive) versus matsuri o hajimeru (to start the festival—transitive, focusing on the organizers).

In Media and Pop Culture: Often used to signify 'fresh starts,' 'new adventures,' or 'changing one's life.' It is a keyword in many inspirational contexts.

ゼロからはじめる異世界生活。 (Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World from Zero.)

Daily life is filled with hajimeru. From the kitchen (ryouri o hajimeru - start cooking) to the gym (undou o hajimeru - start exercising), it is the verb of daily routine and self-improvement. When you visit a Japanese website, you might see a button that says ima sugu hajimeru (Start right now), which is the equivalent of 'Get Started' or 'Sign Up.' In sports, the referee's signal to begin a match is often a sharp hajime!. Finally, the verb is used in the context of relationships. While tsukiai-hajimeru (to start dating) is a common compound verb, people also talk about kaiwa o hajimeru (to start a conversation). In every interaction, hajimeru is the spark that initiates the connection. Whether it is a formal announcement or a quiet internal decision, this verb is the linguistic marker of the 'beginning' across the entire spectrum of Japanese society.

Interpersonal Usage: Used for the beginning of relationships, conversations, and shared activities. It highlights the social agency of the participants.

彼らは先月から付き合いはじめました。 (They started dating last month.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with はじめる (hajimeru) is confusing it with its intransitive partner, 始まる (hajimaru). In English, the word 'start' can be used both transitively ('I start the car') and intransitively ('The movie starts'). However, Japanese strictly separates these functions. If you say jugyou o hajimaru, it is grammatically incorrect because hajimaru cannot take a direct object with wo. Conversely, saying jugyou ga hajimeru sounds like the lesson itself is performing the action of starting something else.

Transitive vs. Intransitive: Remember: [Object] をはじめる (I start [Object]) vs. [Subject] が始まる ([Subject] starts). This is the 'Golden Rule' of Japanese verbs of beginning.

❌ 映画をはじまる。 (Incorrect particle/verb pair)
✅ 映画が始まる。 (The movie starts.)
✅ 映画をはじめる。 (I start the movie.)

Another common error occurs when using hajimeru as an auxiliary verb. Learners sometimes use the dictionary form of the main verb instead of the masu-stem. For example, taberu-hajimeru is incorrect; it must be tabe-hajimeru. This stem-attachment rule is strict. Additionally, learners often forget that once hajimeru is attached, the entire word conjugates as an Ichidan verb. So, even if the base verb was a Godan verb like yomu, the compound yomihajimeru follows Ichidan rules (e.g., yomihajimemasu, not yomihajimarimasu). There is also a subtle nuance mistake regarding the 'naturalness' of hajimeru. While you can technically start almost anything, Japanese speakers often prefer dasu (出す) for sudden, uncontrollable, or outward-bursting actions. For instance, while nakihajimeru (start crying) is perfectly fine for a conscious or gradual start, nakidasu (burst into tears) is more common for a sudden emotional outburst. Using hajimeru for a sudden explosion or a sudden rain shower might sound a bit too 'controlled' or 'deliberate' compared to the more natural furidasu or bakuhatsu-suru.

Hajimeru vs. Dasu: 'Hajimeru' is for intentional or gradual starts. 'Dasu' is for sudden, spontaneous, or uncontrollable starts. Use 'furidashita' for 'it started raining suddenly'.

彼は急に怒りだしました。 (He suddenly burst into anger—more natural than 'hajimemashita' here.)

Misunderstanding the 'duration' of hajimeru can also lead to errors. Hajimeru refers to the point of starting. If you want to say you are 'in the middle of doing something you started,' you shouldn't use hajimeru; you should use the continuous form of the main verb (-te iru). For example, 'I am starting to eat' (now picking up the chopsticks) is tabehajimeru, but 'I am eating' (already started) is tabete iru. Finally, be careful with the potential form. While hajimerareru is the correct potential form of hajimeru, it is often confused with the passive form because they look identical in Ichidan verbs. Context is key to determining if someone 'can start' or if something 'is being started' (though the latter is rare for hajimeru, as hajimaru usually covers the passive sense). Avoiding these pitfalls—transitivity, stem usage, the dasu distinction, and timeframe—will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

While はじめる (hajimeru) is the most versatile verb for 'starting,' Japanese offers several alternatives that carry different nuances of formality, suddenness, or physical action. Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most direct comparison is with 始まる (hajimaru), which we have discussed as the intransitive counterpart. While hajimeru is 'to start (something),' hajimaru is '(something) starts.' This distinction is the most important one for learners to master.

Hajimeru vs. Hajimaru: Transitive (Hajimeru): 'I start the class.'
Intransitive (Hajimaru): 'The class starts.'

For more formal or academic contexts, the Sino-Japanese word 開始する (kaishi suru) is frequently used. While hajimeru is common in speech and general writing, kaishi suru appears in news reports, official documents, and technical manuals. It sounds more objective and planned. For example, a rocket launch or a government program would 'kaishi' rather than just 'hajimeru.'

新サービスを開始いたしました。 (We have launched/started the new service. - Formal)

Another interesting alternative is 出す (dasu) when used as a suffix (-dasu). As mentioned in the common mistakes section, -dasu implies a sudden or outward start. While aruki-hajimeru means 'to start walking' (like a baby reaching a milestone), aruki-dasu means 'to step out' or 'to start walking suddenly' (like someone abruptly leaving a room). -Dasu is much more dynamic and often used for emotional reactions like warai-dasu (burst out laughing).

Hajimeru vs. Dasu: 'Hajimeru' is gradual/intentional. 'Dasu' is sudden/spontaneous. Example: 泣きはじめる (start crying) vs. 泣きだす (burst into tears).

For starting a task with a sense of 'getting down to business' or 'setting to work,' the verb 取りかかる (torikakaru) is excellent. It implies that there is a specific job to be done and you are now physically or mentally engaging with it. It is more specific than hajimeru, which is a general 'start.' Similarly, 着手する (chakushu suru) is a very formal way to say 'to commence' or 'to set one's hand to,' often used in legal or large-scale project contexts.

ようやく宿題に取りかかった。 (I finally set to work on my homework.)

Lastly, when talking about the 'first time' doing something, the word 初めて (hajimete)—which is the adverbial form of the same root—is used. While not a verb, it is often confused by beginners. Hajimete nihon ni iku means 'to go to Japan for the first time.' In summary, while hajimeru is your 'all-purpose' start, you have kaishi for formality, -dasu for suddenness, torikakaru for engagement, and chakushu for official commencement. Choosing between them allows you to express the exact 'flavor' of the beginning you are describing.

How Formal Is It?

正式

"ただいまより、式典を開始いたします。"

中性

"会議を始めましょう。"

非正式

"そろそろはじめようか。"

Child friendly

"おべんきょうをはじめるよ！"

俚语

"これ、はじめちゃう？"

趣味小知识

The kanji 始 contains the radical for 'woman' (女) and 'platform/pedestal' (台). Some suggest it originally referred to the beginning of life through birth.

发音指南

UK /ha.dʒi.me.ɾɯ/

US /hɑ.dʒi.me.ɹu/

The pitch accent is 'Heiban' (Flat), meaning the pitch starts low and rises, staying high for the rest of the word: ha-JIME-RU.

押韵词

Tadameru Sameru Kimeru Yameru Homeru Umeru Semeru Nameru

常见错误

Pronouncing 'ji' as 'zi'.
Over-emphasizing the 'ru' like an English 'r'.
Confusing the pitch with 'hajimaru' which has a different pattern.
Making the 'e' in 'me' too long like 'may'.
Dropping the 'h' sound.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

The kanji 始 is common and easy to recognize.

写作 3/5

Requires remembering the 女 and 台 components.

口语 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but pitch accent matters.

听力 3/5

Must distinguish from 'hajimaru' in fast speech.

接下来学什么

前置知识

する行く食べる勉強仕事

接下来学习

始まる終わる終える続ける出す

高级

開始着手緒に就く口火を切る幕開け

需要掌握的语法

Transitive vs Intransitive Pairs

はじめる (Transitive) / 始まる (Intransitive)

V-stem + Hajimeru (Inception Aspect)

読みはじめる (Start reading)

Ichidan Verb Conjugation

はじめる -> はじめます, はじめた

Particle 'wo' for Direct Objects

仕事をはじめる

Particle 'ga' for Intransitive Compound Verbs

雨が降りはじめる

按水平分级的例句

日本語の勉強をはじめる。

I start studying Japanese.

Basic [Noun] + を + はじめる structure.

仕事をはじめてください。

Please start the work.

Polite imperative form '-te kudasai'.

もうすぐ会議をはじめる。

I will start the meeting soon.

Future/present tense with adverb 'mousugu'.

朝ごはんをはじめる。

I start breakfast.

Simple transitive usage.

テニスをはじめた。

I started tennis.

Past tense '-ta'.

ゲームをはじめる？

Shall we start the game?

Question form in casual speech.

本を読みはじめる。

I start reading the book.

Compound verb: V-stem + はじめる.

掃除をはじめる。

I start cleaning.

Noun-based activity with を.

先月から日記を書きはじめました。

I started writing a diary last month.

V-stem (kaki) + はじめました.

雨が降りはじめましたね。

It has started to rain, hasn't it?

Intransitive action + はじめる. Particle が is kept.

新しい趣味をはじめるつもりです。

I intend to start a new hobby.

Verb + つもり (intention).

そろそろ料理をはじめてもいいですか？

Is it okay if I start cooking soon?

'-te mo ii desu ka' (asking permission).

彼は５歳でピアノをはじめた。

He started piano at age five.

Indicating the start of a long-term skill.

映画がはじまる前に、食べはじめよう。

Let's start eating before the movie starts.

Contrast between hajimaru (intransitive) and tabehajimeru (transitive).

昨日からダイエットをはじめた。

I started a diet yesterday.

Common daily life usage.

この本は読みはじめると止まらない。

Once you start reading this book, you can't stop.

Conditional 'to' (whenever/once).

最近、少しずつ歩きはじめるようにしています。

Lately, I've been trying to start walking little by little.

'-youni shite iru' (making an effort).

プロジェクトをはじめるための準備が必要です。

Preparation is necessary to start the project.

'-tame no' (for the purpose of).

彼女は急に泣きはじめたので、驚いた。

I was surprised because she suddenly started crying.

Adverb 'kyuu-ni' with compound verb.

いつからその仕事をはじめることができるのですか？

From when will you be able to start that job?

Potential structure 'koto ga dekiru'.

一度はじめたら、最後までやりなさい。

Once you start, do it until the end.

Conditional '-tara'.

冬になると、雪が降りはじめます。

When winter comes, it starts to snow.

Natural phenomenon with compound verb.

彼は自分の会社をはじめることにした。

He decided to start his own company.

'-koto ni shita' (decision).

テレビを見はじめると、勉強が手につかない。

When I start watching TV, I can't get to my studies.

Negative result of starting an action.

政府は新しい経済政策をはじめる方針を固めた。

The government has firmed up its plan to start a new economic policy.

Formal noun-modifying clause.

彼は定年退職後、農業をはじめることにしたそうだ。

I heard that he decided to start farming after retirement.

'-sou da' (reporting information).

この物語は、ある静かな村からはじまる。

This story begins from a certain quiet village.

Note: This uses 'hajimaru', but 'hajimeru' could be used if the author is the subject.

準備が整い次第、調査をはじめる予定です。

We plan to start the investigation as soon as preparations are complete.

'-shidai' (as soon as).

新しい生活をはじめるのは、勇気がいることだ。

Starting a new life requires courage.

Nominalized phrase as a subject.

彼は言いかけて、また黙りはじめた。

He started to say something, then began to be silent again.

Contrast between '-kakeru' (about to) and '-hajimeru'.

その事件をきっかけに、彼は社会活動をはじめた。

With that incident as a catalyst, he started social activism.

'-o kikkake ni' (using X as a catalyst).

一度使いはじめると、その便利さがよくわかる。

Once you start using it, you'll understand its convenience well.

Compound verb with conditional.

筆者は、まず日本の歴史を概観することからはじめる。

The author begins by first giving an overview of Japanese history.

Formal academic 'hajimeru'.

近代化の波が、この国を大きく変えはじめた。

The wave of modernization has begun to greatly change this country.

Abstract subject with compound verb.

彼は自らの過ちを認め、人生をやり直しはじめた。

He admitted his mistakes and began to restart his life.

Compound verb 'yari-naoshi-hajimeru'.

議論をはじめるにあたって、いくつかの前提を確認したい。

Upon starting the discussion, I would like to confirm a few premises.

'-ni atatte' (on the occasion of).

その作家は、晩年になってから詩を書きはじめた。

That writer started writing poetry only in their later years.

'-te kara' emphasizing the timing.

不信感が人々の間に広がりはじめている。

A sense of distrust is beginning to spread among the people.

Abstract emotion as an object of 'spread-start'.

彼はその沈黙を破り、ゆっくりと語りはじめた。

He broke the silence and slowly began to speak.

Narrative style.

改革をはじめるには、まず意識を変える必要がある。

To start a reform, it is first necessary to change awareness.

Condition for starting an abstract process.

宇宙の起源を解明しようとする試みは、ここからはじめるべきだ。

Attempts to elucidate the origin of the universe should start from here.

Philosophical/Scientific initiation.

彼は、伝統的な技法に現代的な感覚を取り入れはじめた先駆者だ。

He is a pioneer who began incorporating modern sensibilities into traditional techniques.

Complex relative clause describing a pioneer.

その思想が社会に浸透しはじめるまでには、長い年月を要した。

It took many years for that ideology to begin permeating society.

Abstract process 'shintou-shi-hajimeru'.

言語の壁を超えて、新たな対話をはじめることが急務である。

It is an urgent matter to start a new dialogue across language barriers.

Formal 'kyuumu' (urgent matter) with 'hajimeru'.

彼は、自らのアイデンティティを再構築しはじめる過程にある。

He is in the process of beginning to reconstruct his own identity.

Psychological/Abstract usage.

この研究は、先行研究の批判的な検討からはじめる必要がある。

This research needs to start from a critical examination of previous studies.

Academic methodology.

文明が崩壊しはじめる予兆は、すでに至るところに見られる。

Signs that civilization is beginning to collapse are already seen everywhere.

Dystopian/Literary context.

新たな時代の幕開けを告げるべく、彼は改革をはじめた。

In order to herald the dawn of a new era, he began reforms.

'-beku' (in order to) with 'hajimeru'.

常见搭配

勉強をはじめる

仕事をはじめる

一人暮らしをはじめる

趣味をはじめる

付き合いはじめる

食べはじめる

雨が降りはじめる

歩きはじめる

話をはじめる

準備をはじめる

常用短语

はじめまして

はじめに

やりはじめる

習いはじめる

使いはじめる

作りはじめる

考えはじめる

動きはじめる

言いはじめる

通いはじめる

容易混淆的词

はじめる vs 始まる (hajimaru)

Intransitive version. 'Hajimaru' is for things starting themselves; 'hajimeru' is for people starting things.

はじめる vs 初めて (hajimete)

Adverb meaning 'for the first time'. Often confused because they share the same root.

はじめる vs 出す (dasu)

As a suffix, '-dasu' means a sudden start, while '-hajimeru' is more general or intentional.

习语与表达

"一からはじめる"

To start from scratch or from the very beginning.

失敗したので、一からはじめる。

Neutral

"ゼロからはじめる"

To start from zero; to start with nothing.

ゼロからはじめる異世界生活。

Neutral

"口火を切る"

To start a conversation or a conflict; literally 'to light the fuse.'

彼が議論の口火を切った。

Idiomatic

"筆を染める"

To start writing or painting; literally 'to dye the brush.'

久しぶりに筆を染める。

Literary

"手を付ける"

To start working on something; to lay hands on.

やっと仕事に手を付けた。

Neutral

"産声を上げる"

To be born or to be newly established; literally 'to give the first cry.'

新しいサービスが産声を上げた。

Literary

"幕を開ける"

To begin (an era, event, or play); literally 'to open the curtain.'

新時代の幕を開ける。

Formal

"火蓋を切る"

To start a battle or a competition; literally 'to open the flashpan.'

ついに戦いの火蓋が切られた。

Formal

"重い腰を上げる"

To finally start doing something after a long delay.

やっと重い腰を上げて掃除をはじめた。

Idiomatic

"緒に就く"

To get started; to be well under way.

計画がようやく緒に就いた。

Formal

容易混淆

はじめる vs 始まる

Both mean 'start' in English.

Hajimeru is transitive (needs an object); Hajimaru is intransitive (the subject is what starts).

会議をはじめる (I start the meeting) vs 会議が始まる (The meeting starts).

はじめる vs 出す

Both can mean 'to start' when used as suffixes.

Hajimeru is for intentional or gradual starts; Dasu is for sudden, spontaneous, or outward actions.

泣きはじめる (Start crying) vs 泣きだす (Burst into tears).

はじめる vs 開始する

Synonyms.

Hajimeru is native Japanese (Yamato kotoba) and more casual; Kaishi is Sino-Japanese (Kango) and more formal.

勉強をはじめる vs 実験を開始する。

はじめる vs 取りかかる

Both mean 'to start'.

Torikakaru implies physically getting to work on a specific task that was waiting.

やっと宿題に取りかかった。

はじめる vs 着手する

Both mean 'to start'.

Chakushu is very formal and used for legal, political, or large-scale project initiations.

工事に着手する。

句型

[Noun] をはじめる

勉強をはじめる。

[Verb Stem] はじめる

読みはじめる。

[Verb Stem] はじめたばかり

習いはじめたばかりです。

[Noun] をはじめることにする

ダイエットをはじめることにした。

[Noun] をはじめる予定だ

調査をはじめる予定だ。

[Verb Stem] はじめたきっかけ

ピアノをはじめたきっかけは何ですか？

[Noun] をはじめるにあたって

事業をはじめるにあたっての注意点。

[Verb Stem] はじめる兆し

景気が回復しはじめる兆しがある。

词族

名词

动词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

Extremely high; one of the top 500 most used verbs.

常见错误

映画をはじまる。 → 映画が始まる。
Hajimaru is intransitive and takes 'ga'.
食べるはじめる。 → 食べはじめる。
You must use the verb stem, not the dictionary form.
雨が降りはじまる。 → 雨が降りはじめる。
When used as a suffix for 'start doing', use 'hajimeru'.
会議がはじめる。 → 会議をはじめる。
Hajimeru is transitive and needs 'wo' if there is an agent.
急に泣きはじめた。 → 急に泣きだした。
While not strictly wrong, '-dasu' is more natural for sudden emotional outbursts.

小贴士

Stem + Hajimeru

Always use the masu-stem. For 'taberu', the stem is 'tabe'. So, 'tabehajimeru'. Never use the dictionary form.

Intentionality

Use 'hajimeru' when you want to show that someone is making a conscious choice to start something.

Group Settings

Use 'hajimemashou' to lead a group. It sounds polite and organized.

Pair with Owaru

Learn 'hajimeru' and 'owaru' together as a pair of opposites to double your vocabulary efficiency.

The 'Me' Sound

Focus on the 'me' in 'hajimeru' to distinguish it from the 'ma' in 'hajimaru'. This is a common listening test trap.

Kanji Practice

The kanji 始 is used in many words. Mastering it now will help you with 'kaishi' (開始) and 'shiju' (始終) later.

Natural Flow

Don't pause between the verb stem and 'hajimeru'. It should sound like one single word: 'yomihajimeru', not 'yomi... hajimeru'.

New Beginnings

In Japan, April is the month of 'hajimeru'. Use it when talking about school or new jobs in the spring.

Don't Overuse

If something starts suddenly, like an explosion, 'hajimeru' might sound too slow. Use 'dasu' or 'okoru' instead.

Martial Arts

Even if you don't do Judo, remember the referee's 'Hajime!' to lock the meaning in your brain.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'Hajime' as the referee's call in Judo. When you hear 'Hajime!', you 'start' the match.

视觉联想

Imagine a giant 'ON' switch being flipped by a hand. The hand represents the agency of 'hajimeru'.

Word Web

Start Begin Initiate Launch Open First Action Will

挑战

Try to use 'hajimeru' three times today: once for a task, once for a habit, and once as a suffix to another verb.

词源

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'hajimu'. It is related to the noun 'haji' (edge or beginning).

原始含义： To set something in motion or to open up a new path.

Japonic

文化背景

No specific sensitivities, but use 'hajimemashou' (Let's start) to be inclusive in group settings.

In English, 'start' and 'begin' are often interchangeable, but 'hajimeru' is strictly transitive, which is a major hurdle for English speakers.

Hajime no Ippo (Boxing Manga) Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World The phrase 'Hajime!' in martial arts movies.

在生活中练习

真实语境

School

授業をはじめる
勉強をはじめる
テストをはじめる
宿題をはじめる

Office

会議をはじめる
プロジェクトをはじめる
仕事をはじめる
プレゼンをはじめる

Hobbies

ギターをはじめる
テニスをはじめる
料理をはじめる
日記をはじめる

Daily Life

掃除をはじめる
食事をはじめる
準備をはじめる
散歩をはじめる

Weather

雨が降りはじめる
雪が降りはじめる
風が吹きはじめる
日が照りはじめる

对话开场白

"最近、何か新しいことをはじめましたか？ (Have you started anything new lately?)"

"いつから日本語の勉強をはじめたのですか？ (When did you start studying Japanese?)"

"新しい趣味をはじめるなら、何がいいですか？ (If you were to start a new hobby, what would be good?)"

"明日から何をはじめるつもりですか？ (What do you intend to start from tomorrow?)"

"仕事をはじめる前に、コーヒーを飲みますか？ (Do you drink coffee before starting work?)"

日记主题

今日、新しくはじめたことについて書いてください。 (Write about something new you started today.)

来月からはじめたい習慣は何ですか？ (What habit do you want to start from next month?)

子供の頃にはじめた習い事について教えてください。 (Tell me about a lesson/skill you started as a child.)

人生をやり直すとしたら、何を一番最初にはじめますか？ (If you were to restart your life, what would you start first?)

プロジェクトをはじめる時に一番大切なことは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the most important thing when starting a project?)

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, you can use it as a suffix, like '雨が降りはじめる' (It starts to rain). In this case, even though 'furu' is intransitive, 'hajimeru' acts as the aspectual marker for the start of the action.

'Hajimemashou' means 'Let's start' (inclusive), while 'hajimete kudasai' means 'Please start' (a request or instruction to others).

It is a Group 2 (Ichidan) verb because it ends in '-eru'.

No, for 'first time' you should use the adverb 'hajimete' (初めて). For example, 'hajimete nihon ni iku' (Go to Japan for the first time).

Use 'kaishi suru' in formal writing, news reports, or business announcements. 'Hajimeru' is better for daily conversation.

Since it is an Ichidan verb, just drop 'ru' and add 'ta': 'hajimeta'.

Yes, 'mise o hajimeru' means to start or open a business/store.

Usually 'wo' (を) because it is a transitive verb. However, in compound verbs like 'furihajimeru', the original particle 'ga' (が) is often used.

Yes, the referee shouts 'Hajime!' to start a match in Judo, Kendo, and other martial arts.

No, for starting an engine or a car, 'kakeru' (エンジンをかける) or 'ugokasu' is more common.