Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Begin" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "begin", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
始める
はじめる (hajimeru)
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 始める and 始まる.
In Japanese, 始める (はじめる (hajimeru)) is typically associated with "to begin, to start (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Used when someone or something initiates an action or event. Paired with 始まる.
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 "始める"
私は日本語の勉強を始めました。
I started studying Japanese.
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: "私は日本語の勉強を始めました。" (Meaning: "I started studying Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "始める" fits here because it means "to begin, to start (transitive)" in the context of: "I started studying Japanese.". "始まる" represents "to begin, to start (intransitive)".