始まり

• Reading: はじまり
• Romaji: hajimari
• Kanji breakdown: 始 (shi/haji) — begin, start
• Pronunciation: /ha.dʑi.ma.ɾi/

Meaning

Beginning; start; origin of something.

A noun derived from the verb 始まる (hajimaru, to begin). Refers to the starting point or origin of events, stories, or processes. Common patterns: 物語の始まり (monogatari no hajimari, the beginning of a story), 始まりに過ぎない (hajimari ni suginai, merely the beginning). Distinguished from 初め (hajime), which is more about 'the first part,' while 始まり emphasises the act or moment of starting.

Examples

1. すべての始まりはこの小さな出会いだった。 The beginning of everything was this small encounter.
2. 新しい年の始まりをお祝いした。 We celebrated the start of the new year.
3. これはまだ始まりに過ぎない。 This is still only the beginning.

Usage Guide

Context: narratives, celebrations, philosophy

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Noun form of 始まる (hajimaru). The kanji 始 combines 女 (woman) and 台 (platform), traditionally interpreted as the beginning of life through birth.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal