Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Begin" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "begin", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
始まる
はじまる (hajimaru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
〜始める
〜はじめる (hajimeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "begin" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 始まる and 〜始める.
In Japanese, 始まる (はじまる (hajimaru)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 〜始める (〜はじめる (hajimeru)) maps to "to begin to do; to start doing" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Indicates the beginning of an action or state. It is attached to the masu-stem. A literal translation of "begin" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "始まる"
会議はもう始まりましたか。
Has the meeting started yet?
Bilingual Context for "〜始める"
6時から会議が始まります。
The meeting starts at 6 o'clock.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議はもう始まりましたか。" (Meaning: "Has the meeting started yet?")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "始まる" fits here because it means "to begin, to start (intransitive)" in the context of: "Has the meeting started yet?". "〜始める" represents "to begin to do; to start doing".