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Definition
The grammar pattern "V-ます + 始める" is used to indicate the beginning of an action or a natural process. It emphasizes the point in time when the action commences. This pattern is often used to describe the start of a continuous action, rather than a sudden or instantaneous one. For example, "雨が始める" (the rain starts) implies that the rain begins to fall, whereas "雨が降る" (it rains) simply states that it is raining without emphasizing the start of the action.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ます-stem | V-ます + 始める | 見-ます + 始める = 見始める |
| Base form | V-ます + 始める (with a change in the verb's ending) | 見る-ます + 始める = 見始める |
| Irregular verbs | V-ます + 始める (with a change in the verb's ending) | 来る-ます + 始める = 来始める |
Examples
3月になって、庭の桜の花が始める。
San-gatsu ni natte, niwa no sakura no hana ga hajimeru.
The cherry blossoms in the garden start to bloom in March.
3月になって (in March) + 庭の桜の花が始める (the cherry blossoms in the garden start to bloom)
雨が始めるので、傘をさしました。
Ame ga hajimeru node, kasa o sashimashita.
Since the rain started, I took an umbrella.
雨が始める (the rain starts) + ので (because) + 傘をさしました (I took an umbrella)
彼は10年前から日本語を始める。
Kare wa jū-nen mae kara Nihongo o hajimeru.
He has been studying Japanese for 10 years.
彼は (he) + 10年前から (for 10 years) + 日本語を始める (he has been studying Japanese)
Context
This pattern is used to describe the start of a continuous action. It is often used in situations where the action is ongoing or has been ongoing for a period of time. The ます-stem is used to form the pattern, which emphasizes the point in time when the action commences. This pattern can be compared to ～出す, which implies a sudden or unexpected start.
Watch out
Using the dictionary form instead of the ます-stem can result in incorrect grammar and nuance. For example, "見る + 始める" (see + start) is incorrect, whereas "見-ます + 始める" (see-ます + start) is correct.
This pattern is used to describe the start of a continuous action, not an instantaneous one. For example, "雨が始める" (the rain starts) implies that the rain begins to fall, whereas "雨が降る" (it rains) simply states that it is raining without emphasizing the start of the action.
～出す implies a sudden or unexpected start, whereas "V-ます + 始める" emphasizes the point in time when the action commences. For example, "雨が始める" (the rain starts) implies that the rain begins to fall, whereas "雨が降る" (it rains) simply states that it is raining without emphasizing the start of the action.
Strategy
Pay attention to the ます-stem and the nuance of the action. Make sure to use the correct pattern to describe the start of a continuous action.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-ます + 始める used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
3月になって、庭の桜の花が咲き始めました。
Pattern used: 咲き始めました
～始める is used to indicate the start of a natural process like flowers blooming.
雨が降り始めたので、傘をさしました。
Pattern used: 降り始めた
Use ～始める to show the point when the rain started falling.
彼は10年前から日本語を勉強し始めました。
Pattern used: 勉強し始めました
～始める describes the starting point of a long-term activity like studying.
Interactive
3月になって、庭の桜の花が______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.