始 — Start, Begin, First

Meaning

This section delves into the kanji 始. This foundational character appears frequently in Japanese, conveying the essential idea of 'start,' 'begin,' or 'the first of something.' It signifies the initial point for various events—be it a new project, the beginning of a journey, or the moment something comes into being.

The kanji 始 has a fascinating origin. It combines two components: 女 (onna), meaning 'woman,' and 台 (dai/tai). While 台 can mean 'pedestal' or 'platform,' here it often functions as a phonetic component or hints at the idea of 'first' or 'beginning.' Historically, 始 is believed to depict a woman giving birth, symbolizing the very genesis of life. This powerful imagery connects the kanji to creation and the initial phase of existence, establishing its fundamental meaning of 'beginning.'

Visually, the 'woman' radical (女) is on the left. The right component, 台, might not immediately suggest 'beginning' to a modern learner. However, recalling its historical association with creation and first events helps to reinforce the meaning. When you encounter 始, envision the moment something new comes into existence!

Comprising 8 strokes, 始 is relatively straightforward to write once the stroke order is learned. Taught in Grade 3 of Japanese elementary school, it is a foundational kanji for expressing the concept of 'starting' in various situations.

Readings

Kanji typically have multiple readings, which vary depending on whether they appear alone or as part of a compound word. 始 follows this pattern, featuring both Chinese-derived On'yomi and native Japanese Kun'yomi.

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

On'yomi are readings adopted from Chinese. For 始, the primary On'yomi is シ (shi).

• シ (shi): This reading is typically used in compound words, particularly when combined with other kanji also read with On'yomi.

• 開始かいし (kaishi) — This word means 'start' or 'commencement.' For instance, 会議かいぎが開始かいしされる (kaigi ga kaishi sareru) means 'the meeting will start.' It's frequently used for official or planned beginnings.

• 始業しぎょう (shigyō) — Meaning 'start of work' or 'start of school.' A common related term is 始業時間しぎょうじかん (shigyō jikan), referring to the 'starting time for work or school.'

• 始点してん (shiten) — This translates to 'starting point' or 'origin.' For example, it can refer to the 始点してん of a race or a graph.

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings. They are often used when the kanji appears by itself or with okurigana (hiragana endings).

• はじ.める (hajimeru): This is a transitive verb, meaning 'to begin (something)' or 'to start (something).' It implies an agent actively initiating an action.

• 始めるはじめる (hajimeru) — The basic verb 'to start.' 宿題しゅくだいを始めるはじめる (shukudai o hajimeru) means 'to start homework.'

• 勉強を始めるべんきょうをはじめる (benkyō o hajimeru) — 'to start studying.'

• 仕事を始めるしごとをはじめる (shigoto o hajimeru) — 'to start work.'

• はじ.まる (hajimaru): This is an intransitive verb, meaning 'something begins' or 'something starts on its own.' It indicates an action beginning without a direct agent.

• 始まるはじまる (hajimaru) — The basic verb 'to begin.' パーティーぱーてぃーが始まるはじまる (pātī ga hajimaru) means 'the party begins.'

• 授業が始まるじゅぎょうがはじまる (jugyō ga hajimaru) — 'The class begins.'

• 映画が始まるえいががはじまる (eiga ga hajimaru) — 'The movie starts.'

Common Words & Compounds

Here are more common words and compounds using 始, demonstrating its versatility in describing various types of beginnings!

• Time-Related Beginnings: These words describe chronological commencements.

• 始発しはつ (shihatsu) — The 'first train/bus of the day' or 'starting point (of a line).' For example, catching the 始発しはつ列車 (shihatsu ressha) refers to the first train.

• 始業式しぎょうしき (shigyōshiki) — The 'opening ceremony' for a school term. This is a common event in Japanese schools.

• 開始時間かいしじかん (kaishi jikan) — 'Starting time' or 'commencement time.' Useful for events, meetings, or shows.

• Action & Event Beginnings: These terms focus on the initiation of actions or events.

• 開始かいし (kaishi) — 'Start,' 'commencement.' Often used with する (suru) to form a verb, 開始するかいしする (kaishi suru) — 'to start' or 'to commence.'

• 始めはじめ (hajime) — This is a noun form, meaning 'beginning' or 'start.' It's often seen in phrases like 始めからはじめから (hajime kara), meaning 'from the beginning.'

• 始まりはじまり (hajimari) — Another noun form for 'beginning' or 'origin.' This often refers to the beginning of a story or an era. For example, 物語の始まりものがたりのはじまり (monogatari no hajimari) means 'the beginning of the story.'

• Origin & Genesis: These terms refer to the very source or initial stage of something.

• 原始げんし (genshi) — 'Primitive,' 'original,' 'primeval.' This compound refers to the earliest stages, like 原始時代げんしじだい (genshi jidai) for 'primitive age.'

• 創始そうし (sōshi) — Means 'founding' or 'establishment.' It often refers to the establishment of an organization, theory, or tradition.

• 始祖しそ (shiso) — 'Ancestor,' 'founder,' 'progenitor.' The first person in a lineage or the founder of a tradition.

• Verbs & Phrases: Here are the core verb forms and common phrases involving 始.

• 始めるはじめる (hajimeru) — 'to start (something).'

• 始まるはじまる (hajimaru) — 'to start (itself).'

• 始まりと終わりはじまりとおわり (hajimari to owari) — 'Beginning and end.' A common philosophical or everyday pairing.

Example Sentences

Here are example sentences demonstrating the practical use of 始. Notice how the readings and contexts vary.

Related Kanji

• 弟 — Younger Brother, Junior (Kanji N4)
• 以 — By Means Of, With, From (Kanji N4)
• 黒 — Black, Dark (Kanji N4)
• 洗 — Wash (Kanji N4)
• 短 — Short, brief, defect (Kanji N4)
• 田 — Rice Field (Kanji N4)

Memory Tip

To remember 始, consider the left radical, 女 (woman), as representing the origin or beginning of life. The right component, 台 (pedestal/platform), might be a bit trickier. Picture a woman proudly standing on a pedestal, announcing the start of something new, or celebrating the 'first' step in a journey. Alternatively, imagine a woman on a stage, ready to 'begin' her performance. The main idea is to connect the 'woman' component with the concept of 'creation' or 'the first spark' that leads to something new. Just as every great story has a beginning, often that beginning involves a strong female presence, whether figuratively or literally.