Japanese grammar
What does N+を始め mean? Japanese grammar N3
N+を始め means starting with ~; representing ~; such as ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + を始め（として） |
| Romaji | N+wohajime |
| Meaning | starting with ~; representing ~; such as ~ |
Forming it
| Connection | N + を始め（として） |
|---|
How to use it
States a REPRESENTATIVE example and implies the whole group is the same way. Formal, common in written Japanese.
- 「Nを始め（として）」 = starting with N as the representative example, and others are the same way too. N is the MOST PROMINENT member of the group.
- The particle must be 「を」; the second clause states a scope broader than N.
- As a prenominal modifier, use 「～を始めとする＋N」: 「東京を始めとする大都市」.
Examples
東京を始め、大都市では家賃が高い。
In major cities, starting with Tokyo, rent is expensive.
社長を始め、社員全員が参加した。
Everyone, beginning with the president, took part.
Keep in mind
- N must be a representative example, not a random one.
- Attributive form: 「を始めとする＋N」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong東京が始め、大都市では家賃が高い。
Correct東京を始め、大都市では家賃が高い。
The representative marker is を始め, not が始め.
Exam tips
- 「を始め」 = starting with N as the representative example (the whole group is the same way); uses 「を」, prenominal form 「を始めとする」.