noun, adverb
beginning; start; outset; opening
Refers to the initial point or early stage of an event, period, or process. Can be used as a noun or adverbially.
会議の始めに自己紹介をしましょう。
Let's introduce ourselves at the beginning of the meeting.
始めは難しかったが、だんだん慣れてきた。
It was difficult at first, but I gradually got used to it.
noun
Only when written 初め
Indicates the first item in a sequence or the initial occurrence. Often written 初め.
初めの一歩を踏み出す勇気が大切だ。
The courage to take the first step is important.
初めの3人はもう到着している。
The first three people have already arrived.
noun
Only when written 始め
Focuses on the source or root of something, often used in historical or explanatory contexts. Typically written 始め.
この習慣の始めは江戸時代にさかのぼる。
The origin of this custom dates back to the Edo period.
noun
such as ...; not to mention ...
Used in the pattern 〜を始め (として) to introduce a representative example, implying 'starting with ... and including others'. Often written in kana.
日本には東京をはじめ、多くの大都市がある。
Japan has many large cities, such as Tokyo.
社長をはじめ、社員全員が参加した。
Everyone participated, starting with the company president.