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How to say 'Beginning' in Japanese | 初め

Wondering how to say 'Beginning' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Beginning is 'Hajime', written as 初め in Japanese.'Beginning' in hiragana is はじめ.

    word

    初め

    Meaning

    Beginning

    Reading

    はじめ

    hajime

    Kanji

    Beginning, First

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun '初め (はじめ)' means 'beginning'. It refers to the start or commencement of something, such as an event, period, or process. This word is often used in contexts like the start of a new year, a project, or a relationship. For example: at the beginning of the year「年の初めに」(としのはじめに). Let's start from the beginning「初めから始めましょう」(はじめからはじめましょう). It can also imply the first time something is done, as in '初めまして (はじめまして)', which is a common greeting meaning 'Nice to meet you' or 'This is the first time we meet'.

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N3

    Kanji Grade

    4

    Frequency

    2018

    Composition

    kanji-hiragana

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 初め

This word contains 1 kanji character:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Beginning, First

Hiragana in the Word 初め

This word contains 1 Hiragana character :

  • hiragana

    Reading

    Me

Words Related to 初め Through the Kanji

These 14 Words contain the Kanji 初 as well.

  • word

    最初

    Meaning

    Beginning

  • word

    初めて

    Meaning

    First

  • word

    初期

    Meaning

    Early, Initial

  • word

    当初

    Meaning

    Beginning

  • word

    Meaning

    First

  • word

    初日

    Meaning

    First day

  • word

    初歩

    Meaning

    Basics

  • word

    初夏

    Meaning

    Early summer

  • word

    初心

    Meaning

    Beginner

  • word

    初級

    Meaning

    Beginner

  • word

    月初め

    Meaning

    Start

  • word

    初代

    Meaning

    First generation

  • word

    初恋

    Meaning

    First love

  • word

    初詣で

    Meaning

    First shrine visit

Learn the Word 初め

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Hajime' (初め) mean?

'Hajime' means 'Beginning' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.