始め

• Reading: はじめ
• Romaji: hajime
• Kanji breakdown: 始 (haji/shi) — to begin, start
• Pronunciation: /ha.dʑi.me/

Meaning

Beginning; start; outset; opening. The point at which something commences.

The noun form of the verb 始める (hajimeru, to begin). Distinguished from 初め (hajime), which emphasises 'the first time.' Common expressions include 始めに (hajime ni, to begin with) and 始めから (hajime kara, from the start). Frequently used in greetings like 初めまして.

Examples

1. 始めから説明してください。 Please explain from the beginning.
2. 始めはわからなかったです。 I didn't understand at first.
3. 新しい生活の始めです。 It's the start of a new life.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, instructions, storytelling

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 始める. The kanji 始 combines 女 (woman) and 台 (platform), traditionally interpreted as the origin or starting point of life.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal