始はじめ

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.

• 会かい議ぎの始はじめに自じ己こ紹しょう介かいをしましょう。

  Let's introduce ourselves at the beginning of the meeting.

• 始はじめは難むずかしかったが、だんだん慣なれてきた。

  It was difficult at first, but I gradually got used to it.

noun

first (in line, order, etc.)

Only when written 初め

Indicates the first item in a sequence or the initial occurrence. Often written 初め.

• 初はじめの一いっ歩ぽを踏ふみ出だす勇ゆう気きが大たい切せつだ。

  The courage to take the first step is important.

• 初はじめの3人にんはもう到とう着ちゃくしている。

  The first three people have already arrived.

noun

origin; beginning

Only when written 始め

Focuses on the source or root of something, often used in historical or explanatory contexts. Typically written 始め.

• この習しゅう慣かんの始はじめは江え戸ど時じ代だいにさかのぼる。

  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.

• 日本にほんには東とう京きょうをはじめ、多おおくの大だい都と市しがある。

  Japan has many large cities, such as Tokyo.

• 社しゃ長ちょうをはじめ、社しゃ員いん全ぜん員いんが参さん加かした。

  Everyone participated, starting with the company president.