In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “begin” in Japanese. Whether you want to express the concept of starting formally or informally, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also provide some useful tips along with examples to help you understand and remember these expressions. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Begin” in Japanese
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings, speeches, or official events, it’s important to use appropriate language to convey respect and professionalism. In Japanese, you can use the following phrases to express the concept of “beginning” formally:
- はじめます (Hajimemasu) – This is the most common and general way to say “begin” formally in Japanese. It can be used in various contexts, such as starting a meeting, event, or a new task. Here’s an example sentence:
会議をはじめます。
(Kaigi o hajimemasu.)
(I will begin the meeting.)
ご開始します (Gokaishi shimasu) – This phrase is more formal and is commonly used in official or ceremonial situations. It adds a sense of reverence to the action of starting. For instance:
式典のご開始をいたします。
(Shikiten no gokaishi o itashimasu.)
(We will now begin the ceremony.)
スタートいたします (Sutaato itashimasu) – This phrase is often used in sports or competitive settings to indicate the start of a race, game, or any other timed activity. Here’s an example:
レースのスタートをいたします。
(Reesu no sutaato o itashimasu.)
(I will now begin the race.)
Informal Ways to Say “Begin” in Japanese
When communicating in casual or informal settings, such as with friends or family, it’s acceptable to use less formal language. Here are some common expressions for saying “begin” informally in Japanese:
- 始める (Hajimeru) – This is the informal equivalent of “hajimemasu” and is widely used in everyday conversations. It can be used in various contexts, such as starting a conversation or initiating an activity. For example:
今から始めましょう。
(Ima kara hajimemashou.)
(Let’s start now.)
やる (Yaru) – This is a more casual and colloquial way to say “begin” in Japanese. It’s commonly used among friends or in relaxed environments. Here’s an example:
ゲームをやろう！
(Geemu o yarou!)
(Let’s start playing the game!)
始めよう (Hajimeyou) – This expression serves as an invitation to start an activity and is often used when suggesting something to others. For instance:
映画の時間が迫っているから、始めようよ！
(Eiga no jikan ga sematte iru kara, hajimeyou yo!)
(The movie time is approaching, let’s start!)
Tips and Additional Information
– When in doubt, it’s generally safer to use the more formal expressions unless you are in a casual setting or with close acquaintances.
– It’s important to be aware of the appropriate level of politeness and formality depending on the situation and the people you are speaking to.
– To make your speech sound more natural, add appropriate honorifics or humble language when necessary. For example, instead of saying “hajimemasu,” you can use “o-hajimemasu” to show respect.
– Japanese is a context-dependent language, so it’s crucial to consider the overall situation and adjust your choice of words accordingly.
– Remember to use appropriate facial expressions, gestures, and body language to complement your words when communicating in Japanese.
In Conclusion
In this guide, we have explored various ways to say “begin” in Japanese, both formally and informally. We have covered expressions suitable for different situations, ranging from business meetings to casual conversations. It’s essential to understand the context and choose the appropriate phrase to convey your intentions accurately. By mastering these expressions, you will be able to confidently start conversations and initiate activities in Japanese. Enjoy your language learning journey and have fun beginning new experiences in Japanese!
