Meaning and Usage
The verb 始まる (はじまる) means "to begin" or "to start" and is used when something starts by itself or naturally, without a direct agent. It is an intransitive verb, so the subject is usually the event or thing that begins.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 始まる used for events, classes, movies, meetings, or any scheduled activity that starts at a certain time. It is polite and neutral, suitable for both casual and formal situations.
Collocations and Patterns
- 授業が始まる (じゅぎょうがはじまる): class begins
- 映画が始まる (えいががはじまる): movie starts
- 会議が始まる (かいぎがはじまる): meeting starts
- ～から始まる: starts from ~ (time or place)
Tips for Learners
Remember 始まる is intransitive. To say "someone starts something," use 始める (はじめる), the transitive counterpart. For example, "先生が授業を始める" means "The teacher starts the class." Avoid confusing these two verbs.
Using 始まる correctly helps you describe when events or activities commence naturally or on schedule, which is very common in daily conversation and announcements.