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What is the Kanji for 'Begin'? | 始

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Begin', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Begin' is 始.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Begin

    Reading

    kunyomiはじ

    haji

    onyomi

    shi

    Parts

    Woman Pedestal, Machine

    Example Word

    始まり: beginning. The Japanese noun '始まり (はじまり)' means 'beginning'. It refers to the start or commencement of something, such as an event, process, or period. This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the initial stage of something. For example: the beginning of the story「物語の始まり」(ものがたりのはじまり). The beginning of a new era「新しい時代の始まり」(あたらしいじだいのはじまり). It can also be used metaphorically, such as in 'the beginning of a journey'「旅の始まり」(たびのはじまり).

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    8

    JLPT

    N4

    Grade

    3

    Frequency

    267

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    kanji

    Meaning

    Woman

    kanji

    Meaning

    Pedestal, Machine

Words Using

This kanji is used in 10 words:

    word

    始める

    Meaning

    Start

    word

    始まる

    Meaning

    Begin

    word

    始め

    Meaning

    Beginning

    word

    開始

    Meaning

    Start

    word

    始めに

    Meaning

    Firstly

    word

    始終

    Meaning

    Always

    word

    始発

    Meaning

    First departure

    word

    始末

    Meaning

    Management, Conclusion

    word

    始まり

    Meaning

    Beginning

    word

    年始

    Meaning

    New year

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 38 kanji contain the part 女 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Number

    kanji

    Meaning

    Older sister

    kanji

    Meaning

    Younger sister

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cheap, Relax

    kanji

    Meaning

    Like, Fond

    kanji

    Meaning

    Marriage

    kanji

    Meaning

    Important, Need

    kanji

    Meaning

    Daughter, Girl

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lady

    kanji

    Meaning

    Wife

    kanji

    姿

    Meaning

    Shape, Figure

    kanji

    Meaning

    Surname, Family name

    kanji

    Meaning

    Marry, Bride

    kanji

    婿

    Meaning

    Bridegroom, Groom

    kanji

    Meaning

    Committee

    kanji

    Meaning

    Hinder, Disturb

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cherry

    kanji

    Meaning

    Exquisite, Marvelous

    kanji

    Meaning

    Gentle, Come to terms

    kanji

    Meaning

    Dislike

    kanji

    Meaning

    Might, Intimidate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Pregnant, Swollen

    kanji

    Meaning

    Pregnant, Pregnancy

    kanji

    Meaning

    As, Likeness

    kanji

    Meaning

    Marriage, Marry

    kanji

    Meaning

    Enjoyment, Recreation

    kanji

    Meaning

    Intermediary, Mediator

    kanji

    Meaning

    Princess

    kanji

    Meaning

    Princess, Queen

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lass, Young lady

    kanji

    Meaning

    Legitimate heir, Legitimate wife

    kanji

    Meaning

    Old woman

    kanji

    Meaning

    Irrational, Reckless

    kanji

    Meaning

    Servant, Dude

    kanji

    Meaning

    Princess, Beauty

    kanji

    Meaning

    Envy, Jealous

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bewitched

    kanji

    Meaning

    Envy, Jealous

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 4 kanji contain the part 台 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cure, Reign

    kanji

    Meaning

    Womb, Uterus

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lazy, Neglect

    kanji

    Meaning

    Melting, Smelting

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 始 mean?

始 means 'Begin'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Third Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N4 exam.

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