Translation and Meaning of: 始め - hajime

The Japanese word 始め [はじめ] carries deep meanings and various uses in everyday life in Japan. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding terms like this can open doors to culture and communication. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 始め is used, as well as practical memorization tips and verified curiosities.

始め is one of those words that frequently appears in conversations, texts, and even in media such as animes and dramas. Its basic meaning refers to "beginning" or "start," but there are nuances worth knowing. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to truly master Japanese.

Meaning and usage of 始め

始め can be translated as "start," "beginning," or "first time." It is used to indicate the starting point of something, whether it be an activity, event, or even a relationship. For example, in a work meeting, someone might say "会議の始めに" [かいぎのはじめに] to mark the beginning of the discussion.

In addition to the temporal meaning, 始め also carries a connotation of novelty and discovery. When Japanese people say "始めまして" [はじめまして], they are literally saying "this is the first time (we meet)," a common expression in greetings. This usage reinforces how the word is connected to significant and memorable moments.

Origin and writing of 始め

The kanji 始 consists of two elements: the feminine radical 女 and the component 台, which suggests the idea of a base or foundation. Together, they convey the notion of "beginning something." This combination well reflects the meaning of the word, as every beginning needs a solid foundation to develop.

It is worth noting that 始め has a kun'yomi reading (はじめ) and an on'yomi reading (し). The first is more common in everyday standalone or compound words, while the second appears more in formal terms or those of Chinese origin, such as 開始 [かいし] (beginning). Knowing these variations helps to better understand the contexts of use.

Tips for memorizing and using 始め

An effective way to remember 始め is to associate it with memorable moments. Think of "始めまして" as the beginning of a new friendship or "仕事始め" [しごとはじめ] as the first day of work after vacation. Creating these emotional connections makes it easier to memorize and use the word naturally.

Another tip is to pay attention to how 始め appears in different contexts. In animes, for example, it is common to hear phrases like "試合始め!" [しあいはじめ] to start a competition. Observing these real uses helps to internalize not only the meaning but also the intonation and the right moment to employ the expression.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 開始 (Kaishi) - Beginning, start of a process.
• 起動 (Kidou) - Activation, connecting a device or system.
• 起点 (Kiten) - Starting point, the place where something begins.
• 起源 (Kigen) - Origin, source, or cause of something.
• 初め (Hajime) - The beginning of something, often used in a more general sense.
• 初期 (Shoki) - Initial phase or stage of something.
• 初動 (Shodou) - Initial movements, initial reaction to an event.
• 初歩 (Shoho) - First steps, fundamentals, or basic concepts.
• 発端 (Hottan) - What initiates, the starting point of an event or action.

始め

Romaji: hajime
Kana: はじめ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: start; start; origin

Meaning in English: beginning;start;origin

Definition: "Things to start."

Example Sentences - (始め) hajime

See below some example sentences:

零から始めよう。

Rei kara hajimeyou

Let's start from scratch.

Let's start from zero.

• 零 (rei) - Zero
• から (kara) - from
• 始め (hajime) - start/begin
• よう (you) - let's

始めはいつも緊張するものです。

Hajime wa itsumo kinchou suru mono desu

Start always causes nervousness.

I'm always nervous at first.

• 始めは (hajime wa) - começo/começar
• いつも (itsumo) - always
• 緊張する (kinchou suru) - get nervous/tension
• ものです (mon desu) - It is something that happens/is common.

始めることは成功への第一歩です。

Hajimeru koto wa seikou e no daiichi ho desu

Starting is the first step towards success.

Starting is the first step to success.

• 始めること - beginning
• は - Topic particle
• 成功への - towards success
• 第一歩 - First step
• です - Verb to be/estar

乗り換えることは新しい冒険を始めることです。

Norikae suru koto wa atarashii bouken o hajimeru koto desu

Changing trains is like starting a new adventure.

The transfer is starting a new adventure.

• 乗り換える - means "to change means of transport" or "to make a connection"
• こと - is a particle that indicates that the previous word is a noun and that it is being used as the subject of the sentence
• は - it is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 新しい - means "new"
• 冒険 - means "adventure"
• を - it is a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 始める - It means "Begin"
• こと - again the particle that indicates the noun used as the topic of the sentence
• です - it is a particle that indicates that the sentence is a statement

この二つの会社は合同して新しいプロジェクトを始めます。

Kono futatsu no kaisha wa gōdō shite atarashii purojekuto o hajimemasu

These two companies start a new project together.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 二つ - numeral meaning "two"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 会社 - noun meaning "company"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 合同して - compound verb meaning "to unite" or "to come together"
• 新しい - adjective meaning "new"
• プロジェクト - noun meaning "project"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 始めます - verb meaning "to begin"

作業を始める前に計画を立てることが重要です。

Sagyō o hajimeru mae ni keikaku o tateru koto ga jūyō desu

It is important to do a plan before you start work.

It is important to plan before you start working.

• 作業 (sagyō) - work
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 始める (hajimeru) - start
• 前に (mae ni) - before
• 計画 (keikaku) - plan
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 立てる (tateru) - make
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 重要 (jūyō) - important
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

初歩から始めましょう。

Hajime kara hajimemashou

Let's start from the basics.

Let's start from the beginning.

• 初歩 (shoho) - means "basic" or "fundamental"
• から (kara) - It means "from."
• 始めましょう (hajimemashou) - means "let's get started"

新しい冒険を始めよう。

Atarashii bouken wo hajimeyou

Start a new adventure.

• 新しい - new
• 冒険 - Adventure
• を - direct object particle
• 始めよう - let's start

直後に雨が降り始めた。

Chokugo ni ame ga furihajimeta

Right after

Immediately after it starts to rain.

• 直後に - Imediatamente após
• 雨が - rain
• 降り始めた - began to fall