Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "はじまります", "はじまる", "始める", "始まる"
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
始める
はじめる (hajimeru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
始まる
はじまる (hajimaru)
N5 / 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", "始める", "始まる" 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.
- 始める (はじめる (hajimeru) - Level: N5): Maps to "to begin, to start (transitive)" and is used when Transitive verb. Used when someone or something initiates an action or event. Paired with 始まる.
- 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.
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 "始める"
私は日本語の勉強を始めました。
I started studying Japanese.
Context for "始まる"
会議はもう始まりましたか。
Has the meeting started yet?
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.".