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 始める and 〜始める.
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 "始める"
私は日本語の勉強を始めました。
I started studying Japanese.
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: "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.". "〜始める" represents "to begin to do; to start doing".