始
JLPT N4
Begin
Readings
On’yomi: シ (shi)
Kun’yomi: はじ(める), はじ(まる) (haji(meru), haji(maru))
• はじ(める) – hajimeru → to start (something)
• はじ(まる) – hajimaru → (something) begins
Structure
Composition:
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Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
始める
はじめる
to start
始まる
はじまる
to begin
開始
かいし
start
原始
げんし
primitive
始発
しはつ
first train
Example Sentences
会議を始めます。
かいぎ を はじめます。
We start the meeting.
映画が始まります。
えいが が はじまります。
The movie begins.
Cultural Note
🌸 In Japanese life and culture, beginnings (始まり) are deeply symbolic:
• 始まりの日 (the day of beginning) — like the first day of school, job, or a new year — represents hope and renewal.
• People often say:
→ 「始めが大事」(はじめ が だいじ) – “The beginning is important.”
• During New Year’s, 仕事始め (しごとはじめ) marks the first workday of the year — it’s celebrated with greetings and renewed motivation.
• Likewise, 書き始め (かきはじめ) and 食べ始め (たべはじめ) mark the ceremonial “first writing” or “first meal” of the year, showing respect to new beginnings.
• 始まりの日 (the day of beginning) — like the first day of school, job, or a new year — represents hope and renewal.
• People often say:
→ 「始めが大事」(はじめ が だいじ) – “The beginning is important.”
• During New Year’s, 仕事始め (しごとはじめ) marks the first workday of the year — it’s celebrated with greetings and renewed motivation.
• Likewise, 書き始め (かきはじめ) and 食べ始め (たべはじめ) mark the ceremonial “first writing” or “first meal” of the year, showing respect to new beginnings.