synonym Comparative
はじまります
VS
始める
Differences Between "はじまります" and "始める"
Option A
はじまります
Meaning
to begin, to start (intransitive)
Reading
はじまります (hajimarimasu)
Syllabus Level
N5
Practical Example
会議は9時に始まります。
The meeting starts at 9 o'clock.
Option B
始める
Meaning
to begin, to start (transitive)
Reading
はじめる (hajimeru)
Syllabus Level
N5
Practical Example
私は日本語の勉強を始めました。
I started studying Japanese.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to begin, to start (intransitive))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- はじまります: Intransitive verb. Used when something starts by itself or a situation begins. The subject is the thing that starts (e.g., 会議が始まります - The meeting starts). The transitive equivalent is はじめます (hajimemasu - to start something).
- 始める: Transitive verb. Used when someone or something initiates an action or event. Paired with 始まる (hajimaru - to begin, intransitive). Polite form is 始めます (hajimemasu).
- はじまります: Intransitive verb. Used when something starts by itself or a situation begins. The subject is the thing that starts (e.g., 会議が始まります - The meeting starts). The transitive equivalent is はじめます (hajimemasu - to start something).
- 始める: Transitive verb. Used when someone or something initiates an action or event. Paired with 始まる (hajimaru - to begin, intransitive). Polite form is 始めます (hajimemasu).
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