Translation and Meaning of: 始まる - hajimaru

The Japanese word 始まる [はじまる] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language, as it frequently appears in everyday situations. If you've ever watched an anime, read a manga, or even participated in a Japanese event, you’ve likely come across it. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses, as well as interesting facts that make learning it more engaging. Whether it's for understanding a conversation or constructing basic sentences, knowing 始まる is an important step in studying Japanese.

Meaning and usage of 始まる

始まる means "to begin" or "to start" and is used to indicate the beginning of events, activities, or situations. Unlike other similar verbs, such as 開始する (kaishi suru), which has a more formal tone, 始まる is neutral and appears in everyday contexts. For example, when a movie starts in the cinema, a Japanese person would say "映画が始まる" (eiga ga hajimaru).

An interesting feature of this verb is that it is intransitive, meaning it does not require a direct object. This means it describes an action that happens by itself, without the need for someone to actively perform it. If you want to say "the class has started," for example, the correct form would be "授業が始まった" (jugyou ga hajimatta), without the need to mention who initiated the class.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 始 is composed of two elements: the radical feminine 女 (onna) and the component 台 (dai), which suggests the idea of "base" or "foundation." Originally, this kanji was associated with the concept of "beginning" related to natural cycles or processes. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass any type of start, whether of an event, a season, or even a conversation.

It is worth noting that 始まる is the kun'yomi (Japanese reading) of the kanji, while the on'yomi (Chinese reading) is "shi". This difference is important because, depending on the context, the same kanji can be read in different ways. In compound words, such as 開始 (kaishi), the on'yomi reading is the most common, demonstrating how Japanese uniquely blends linguistic influences.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 始まる is to associate it with concrete situations in everyday life. Think of things that have a specific time to start: classes, meetings, festivals. Repeating phrases like "会議が始まる" (kaigi ga hajimaru - "the meeting starts") helps to internalize the verb naturally. Another tip is to contrast it with its opposite, 終わる (owaru - "to end"), to create stronger mental connections.

Furthermore, pay attention to the contexts in which 始まる appears in animes, dramas, or songs. It is often used in significant moments, such as the beginning of a battle or a new phase in the characters' lives. This constant exposure to the word in real (or fictional, but culturally relevant) situations makes it easier to memorize and use correctly in the future.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 始まる

• 始まります - Affirmative form, present
• 始まりません - Negative form, present
• 始まりました - Affirmative form, past tense
• 始まりませんでした - Negative form, past
• 始まる - Form in dictionary, base
• 始まれます - potential form
• 始まっています - Progressive form

Synonyms and similar words

• 開始する (kaishi suru) - Start, initiate a process or event.
• スタートする (sutāto suru) - To start, used in contexts like beginning a race or competition.
• 起こる (okoru) - Happen, occur, usually in reference to events or incidents.
• 発生する (hassai suru) - Occur, arise, often used in contexts of unexpected phenomena or situations.
• 起動する (kidō suru) - Activate or turn on, usually in technological or mechanical contexts.
• 設立する (setsuritsu suru) - Establish, found, often used for organizations or institutions.
• 開く (hiraku) - Open, start (can refer to events or the act of physically opening something).
• 始める (hajimeru) - Start, to initiate a specific action.
• 起こす (okosu) - Awakening or causing something to happen; it brings an idea of provoking an action.
• 立ち上がる (tachiagaru) - Get up, start to act, or rise, especially in a personal context or in a new venture.
• 始動する (shidō suru) - Start a game or initiate a movement, often used in the context of vehicles or machines.
• 始発する (shihatsu suru) - Start a service or operation, common in public transportation contexts, such as trains.
• 開幕する (kaimaku suru) - Opening of an event, such as a ceremony or festival.
• 起こり始める (okori hajimeru) - To start happening, emphasizes the beginning of an incident or event.
• 始めに (hajime ni) - At the beginning, used to indicate the sequence of actions.
• 始めて (hajimete) - Starting something for the first time emphasizes the novelty of the action.

始まる

Romaji: hajimaru
Kana: はじまる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: start

Meaning in English: to begin

Definition: "Hajima Ru [starts] Things begin."

Example Sentences - (始まる) hajimaru

See below some example sentences:

新しい始まりがある。

Atarashii hajimari ga aru

There is a new beginning.

• 新しい - means "new" in Japanese.
• 始まり - It means "beginning" or "start" in Japanese.
• が - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - means "to exist" or "to be" in Japanese.