事こと始はじめ

noun

beginning of things; starting something new

General term for the start of an activity or a new undertaking. Often used in contexts like learning, work, or annual events.

• 今年ことしは何なにか新あたらしいことを始はじめたい。こと始はじめにふさわしい季き節せつだ。

  I want to start something new this year. It's the perfect season for beginnings.

• 習ならい事ごとの事こと始はじめは緊きん張ちょうするものだ。

  Starting a new lesson always makes me nervous.

noun

preparations for New Year's festivities (Dec 8 in Tokyo, Dec 13 in Kyoto)

Traditional custom of beginning preparations for the New Year, such as cleaning and decorating. The date varies by region.

• 京きょう都とでは十じゅう二に月がつ十じゅう三さん日にちを事こと始はじめとして、正しょう月がつの準じゅん備びを始はじめる。

  In Kyoto, preparations for the New Year begin on December 13th, known as 事始め.

noun

resuming work after the New Year's vacation

Refers to the first day back at work after the New Year holiday. Often used in business contexts. Compare with 仕事始め.

See also: 仕事始め

• 事こと始はじめの日ひには、社しゃ長ちょうから新しん年ねんの挨あい拶さつがある。

  On the first day back at work after New Year's, the company president gives a New Year's greeting.