Japanese word

始める

Pronunciation

Romajihajimeru

Meaning

  • verbstart

Example

今から始めます。ima ka ra haji me ma su

I will start now.

Illustration for 始める (start)

More examples

今から宿題を始めます。ima ka ra shuku dai o haji me ma su

I start my homework now.

先生は八時に授業を始めます。sen sei wa hachi ji ni ju gyō o haji me ma su

The teacher starts the class at eight.

Core concept

Describes moving from not doing something to actively doing it.

Common phrases

  • 勉強を始めるben kyō o haji me ru

    start studying

  • 仕事を始めるshi goto o haji me ru

    start work

  • 授業を始めるju gyō o haji me ru

    start the class

Similar words

開始するkaishisuru: To make an activity or event start, often in a formal setting.
取り掛かるtorikakaru: To begin working on a task or activity that requires effort.

Definition in Japanese

これまでしていなかったことに取りかかる。ko re ma de shi te i na ka tta ko to ni to ri ka ka ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 始める (hajimeru, "to start") is historically related to 始まる (hajimaru, "to begin"); the pair expresses starting something versus something starting.

Usage tips

  • Japanese uses 始める (hajimeru, "to start something") when a person starts an activity and 始まる (hajimaru, "to begin") when an event starts.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word