始める
はじめる
JLPT N5 · vocab_verbMeaning
to begin, to start (trans.)
Examples
日本語の勉強を始めました。
I started studying Japanese.
Related Kanji
📖 How to Use
「始める」is a verb meaning "to begin, to start (trans.)." Practice conjugating it: polite form (〜ます), negative (〜ません), and te-form (〜て).
⚠️ Teacher's Note — Common Mistakes
A common mistake with 「始める」is mixing up plain form and polite form. On JLPT, both appear — know both.
🎯 JLPT N5 — How It's Tested
もんだい2 & もんだい3
Verbs like 「始める」appear in grammar questions where you need to choose the correct conjugated form.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does 「始める」mean in Japanese?+
「始める」means "to begin, to start (trans.)". It is a JLPT N5 vocabulary word in the "vocab_verb" category.
How do you read 「始める」?+
「始める」is read as「はじめる」.
Is 「始める」on the JLPT N5?+
Yes, 「始める」is an official JLPT N5 word. Mastering all N5 vocabulary (~800 words) is essential for passing.
Can you give an example sentence using 「始める」?+
日本語の勉強を始めました。 — I started studying Japanese.
Practice 「始める」 with spaced repetition