Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "はじまります", "はじまる", "始まる", "〜始める"
All represent the core concept "begin", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
はじまります
はじまります (hajimarimasu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
はじまる
はじまる (hajimaru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
始まる
はじまる (hajimaru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
〜始める
〜はじめる (hajimeru)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "begin" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "はじまります", "はじまる", "始まる", "〜始める" based on context.
- はじまります (はじまります (hajimarimasu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to begin, to start (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used when something starts by itself or a situation begins. The subject is the thing that starts.
- はじまる (はじまる (hajimaru) - Level: N5): Maps 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 (はじまる (hajimaru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to begin, to start (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used when something starts on its own or by external force. The transitive form is 始める.
- 〜始める (〜はじめる (hajimeru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to begin to do; to start doing" and is used when Indicates the beginning of an action or state. It is attached to the masu-stem.
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.
Context for "はじまる"
映画は7時に始まります。
The movie starts at 7 o'clock.
Context for "始まる"
会議はもう始まりましたか。
Has the meeting started yet?
Context for "〜始める"
6時から会議が始まります。
The meeting starts at 6 o'clock.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to begin, to start (intransitive)" in the context: "The meeting starts at 9 o'clock.".