始める・はじめる (meru hajimeru)

Meaning & usage

始める means to begin doing something. When written with a verb in the masu-stem form, as in 動き始める, it means that action starts; it can also stand alone as a verb taking an object, as in スポーツを始める. It works in both casual and polite speech.

Example sentences 8

1. 春はるになったら、私わたしは新あたらしいスポーツを始はじめるつもりだ。

   When spring arrives, I am going to take up a new sport.

2. 私たちはすぐに魚をとりはじめることができました。

   We were able to start catching fish soon.

3. 動き始めるまで待った方がいいんじゃないかしら。

   We may as well cool our jets and wait until it starts moving again.

4. 春になったら新しいスポーツを始めるつもりです。

   When spring arrives, I'm going to take up a new sport.

5. 父はずっとよろしい。一週間もすればまた仕事を始めるでしょう。

   My father is much better. He will be up and about in a week.

6. 始める前に仕事の計画を立てなさい。

   Plan your work before you start it.

7. もっと早くはじめるべきだったのに。

   You should have started by now.

8. あなたは新たな人生を始めるべきだ。

   You should make a fresh start in life.