Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "はじまる", "始める", "始まる", "〜始める"
All represent the core concept "begin", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
はじまる
はじまる (hajimaru)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
始める
はじめる (hajimeru)
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 "はじまる", "始める", "始まる", "〜始める" based on context.
- 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.
- 〜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?
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: "映画は7時に始まります。" (Meaning: "The movie starts at 7 o'clock.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "はじまる" is correct here because it represents "to begin, to start (intransitive)" in the context: "The movie starts at 7 o'clock.".