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.
It was difficult at first, but I gradually got used to it.
Only when written 初め
Indicates the first item in a sequence or the initial occurrence. Often written 初め.
The courage to take the first step is important.
The first three people have already arrived.
Only when written 始め
Focuses on the source or root of something, often used in historical or explanatory contexts. Typically written 始め.
The origin of this custom dates back to the Edo period.
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.
Japan has many large cities, such as Tokyo.
Everyone participated, starting with the company president.
I pay the rent at the beginning of the month.
He can speak French and German, not to mention English.
Please listen to the story from beginning to end.
This was the origin of the conflict between the two countries.
初め is the ordinary word for 'beginning,' while 端 (はな) only conveys 'start' in fixed expressions like 端から.
始め appears in fixed phrases like 始めに (firstly) and marks a stage in a sequence, while 始まり emphasizes the abstract concept of an origin or starting point.
beginning of things; starting something new · preparations for New Year's festivities (Dec 8 in Tokyo, Dec 13 in Kyoto) · resuming work after the New Year's vacation
first appearance of the season
first soft-rice meal of the New Year · first sexual intercourse of the New Year · loss of virginity
seeing for the first time; first sight
begin doing; start doing
resuming work after the New Year's vacation; first work of the year
imperial archery ceremony (Heian/Kamakura) · first bow shooting of the year (military families)
first business day of the new year; reopening of offices after New Year's holiday
at first; to begin with; as a first step
starting to walk
start doing; begin to do; get going on