をはじめ（として） (wohajime toshite)

Meaning & usage

It presents one prominent item as the leading example of a larger group, meaning including that item and others like it. It follows a noun with をはじめ, をはじめとして, or, before another noun, をはじめとする, as in 英語をはじめ or 富士山をはじめとする山々. It is formal written language, and the first noun must be a representative member such as a well known item or leader, not a pronoun or an arbitrary person.

Example sentences 4

1. この語学ごがくセンターでは、英語えいごをはじめ世界せかい１５か国こくの外国語がいこくごが学まなべる。

   At this language centre, about 15 international languages are taught, including English.

2. 社長をはじめ、社員全員が掃除をした。

   Starting with the president, all the employees cleaned.

3. 富士山をはじめとする山々に登った。

   I climbed mountains such as Mt. Fuji.

4. 寿司をはじめ、日本の料理が好きだ。

   I like Japanese food, starting with sushi.