Japanese grammar
What does ～をはじめ mean? Japanese grammar N2
～をはじめ means starting with…, and others as well.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + をはじめ、～ |
| Romaji | wohajime |
| Meaning | starting with…, and others as well |
Forming it
| Adverbial | 日本料理 → 日本料理をはじめ、様々な料理 |
|---|
How to use it
States the most REPRESENTATIVE member of a group, then implies the whole group as well. Formal written style.
- 「Nをはじめ」 = represented by N. N must be the MOST prominent one, not a random example: 「東京をはじめ、日本各地で公演を行う」.
- The required particle is 「を」. The second clause states a scope broader than N.
- The modifier form is 「をはじめとする＋N」 (N2-098): 「東京をはじめとする大都市」.
Examples
この店では日本料理をはじめ、様々な国の料理が楽しめます。
At this restaurant you can enjoy cuisines from many countries, starting with Japanese food.
社長をはじめ、社員全員が式に出席した。
Beginning with the president, all employees attended the ceremony.
Keep in mind
- N is the most representative member.
- Modifying a noun uses 「をはじめとする」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong日本料理はじめ、様々な料理があります。
Represented by Japanese food, and there are many other dishes too.
Correct日本料理をはじめ、様々な料理があります。
The required particle is 「を」.
-
Wrong東京をはじめ大都市が好きだ。
I like big cities, Tokyo above all.
Correct東京をはじめとする大都市が好きだ。
When modifying a noun, 「をはじめとする」 must be used.
Exam tips
- 「をはじめ」 = represented by N (uses 「を」); as a modifier, 「をはじめとする」.