Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Begin" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "begin", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
はじまります
はじまります (hajimarimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
始まる
はじまる (hajimaru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "begin" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between はじまります and 始まる.
In Japanese, はじまります (はじまります (hajimarimasu)) is typically associated with "to begin, to start (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when something starts by itself or a situation begins. The subject is the thing that starts.
On the other hand, 始まる (はじまる (hajimaru)) maps to "to begin, to start (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when something starts on its own or by external force. The transitive form is 始める. A literal translation of "begin" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "はじまります"
会議は9時に始まります。
The meeting starts at 9 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?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議は9時に始まります。" (Meaning: "The meeting starts at 9 o'clock.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "はじまります" fits here because it means "to begin, to start (intransitive)" in the context of: "The meeting starts at 9 o'clock.". "始まる" represents "to begin, to start (intransitive)".