Translation guide
The concept of a start, origin, or initial stage of something. Japanese offers several words and phrases depending on whether you mean the very first part of an event, the start of a period, the origin of something, or the early stages of a process.
Referring to the initial point or opening part of something like a meeting, movie, year, or story.
The most common and neutral word for 'beginning' as a noun. It refers to the start of something in time or sequence.
物語の始まりは静かだった。
The beginning of the story was quiet.
新学期の始まりです。
It's the beginning of the new semester.
Means 'the very first' or 'at first'. Often used as an adverb (最初に) or noun. Emphasizes the initial moment or part.
最初は緊張した。
At the beginning, I was nervous.
映画の最初のシーンが印象的だった。
The beginning scene of the movie was impressive.
Similar to 始まり but often used in set phrases or to mean 'the outset'. Can be used as a suffix (〜初め).
年の初めに目標を立てる。
I set goals at the beginning of the year.
Specifically the opening part of a speech, document, or story. More formal and literary.
スピーチの冒頭で感謝を述べた。
At the beginning of the speech, I expressed my gratitude.
Referring to the point where something originates, such as a river, a tradition, or a problem.
Refers to the origin or genesis of something, often used in historical, scientific, or cultural contexts.
この祭りの起源は古い。
The origin of this festival is ancient.
言葉の起源を調べる。
I research the origin of words.
Can also be used for the origin or start of something, though less formal than 起源.
The very beginning or origin of an event, often used for incidents or conflicts. Somewhat formal.
Referring to the initial phase of something that develops over time, like a career, a project, or a season.
Means 'early stage' or 'initial period'. Commonly used for phases of projects, illnesses, or historical periods.
プロジェクトはまだ初期段階です。
The project is still in the beginning stage.
初期の症状に注意してください。
Please pay attention to the early symptoms.
Can be used to mean 'the early part' of a period, often in phrases like 〜の始め (the beginning of ...).
Specifically the opening phase of a game, match, or competition. Also used metaphorically for projects.
Marking the point when something starts, often used with time expressions.
A pattern meaning 'at the beginning of ~'. Used with time nouns like 年 (year), 月 (month), etc.
今月の初めに引っ越した。
I moved at the beginning of this month.
Similar to 初めに, but slightly more formal or literary. Used for events or periods.
新学期の始まりに新しい教科書をもらった。
At the beginning of the new semester, I received new textbooks.
Expressing the idea of doing something again from the start, or emphasizing the very start.
Means 'from the beginning' or 'from the start'. Very common in everyday speech.
最初からやり直そう。
Let's start over from the beginning.
最初からそう言ってよ。
You should have said so from the beginning.
Literally 'from one', meaning 'from scratch' or 'from the very beginning'. Emphasizes starting anew without any prior progress.
一から出直します。
I'll start over from the beginning.
Similar to 最初から, but slightly more formal or written. Often used in explanations.
初めから終わりまで通して読んだ。
I read it through from beginning to end.
始まり (はじまり) is the general noun for 'beginning' as an event or point in time. 初め (はじめ) often appears in set phrases and as a suffix, and can feel slightly more formal. 最初 (さいしょ) emphasizes 'the very first' and is commonly used as an adverb (最初に). In many cases they are interchangeable, but 最初 is preferred for 'at first' or 'the first thing'.
物語の始まり / 物語の初め / 物語の最初
the beginning of the story (all possible, but 最初 may imply the very first scene)
Learners sometimes confuse the noun 始め (はじめ) with the verb 始める (はじめる, to begin something). Remember that 始め is a noun, not the verb form. To say 'I begin', use 始めます (はじめます).
すべての始まりは小さなアイデアだった。
The beginning of everything was a small idea.
事件の発端は小さな誤解だった。
The beginning of the incident was a small misunderstanding.
The beginning of summer is still cool.
We scored in the beginning of the game.