Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "はじまる (hajimaru)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
はじまる
はじまる (hajimaru)
N5 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
始まる
はじまる (hajimaru)
N5 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "はじまる (hajimaru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- はじまる (Level: N5): Translates to "to begin, to start (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Something begins by itself. The transitive form is 「始める.
- 始まる (Level: N5): Maps to "to begin, to start (intransitive)" and carries the nuance of Intransitive verb. Used when something starts on its own or by external force. The transitive form is 始める.
Bilingual Context for "はじまる"
映画は7時に始まります。
The movie starts at 7 o'clock.
Bilingual Context for "始まる"
会議はもう始まりましたか。
Has the meeting started yet?
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "映画は7時に始まります。" (Meaning: "The movie starts at 7 o'clock.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "はじまる" is used for "to begin, to start (intransitive)" in the context: "The movie starts at 7 o'clock.".