# をはじめ: starting with; including

> Learn how to use をはじめ, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning starting with; including, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-o-hajime/

**をはじめ** means **starting with; including**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **give a representative example at the start of a larger list**.

This grammar point often appears in **formal/written** Japanese. If you want to **give a representative example at the start of a larger list**, **をはじめ** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does をはじめ mean?

Use **をはじめ** when you want to **give a representative example at the start of a larger list**.

Natural translations include:
- starting with; including
- starting with
- starting with / including

## How to form をはじめ

Noun + をはじめ / Noun + をはじめとして

Examples of the pattern:
- 日本をはじめ
- 社長をはじめ
- 東京をはじめ

## When is をはじめ used?

Use **をはじめ** in situations like:
- introducing representative examples
- formal lists
- showing a leading member of a group

Tone and register:
- formal/written
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## をはじめ example sentences

- 日本をはじめ、多くの国でこの問題が起きている。 — Starting with Japan, this problem is occurring in many countries.
- 社長をはじめ、社員全員が参加した。 — The president and all employees participated.
- 東京をはじめ、全国でイベントが開かれた。 — Events were held nationwide, starting with Tokyo.
- 寿司をはじめ、日本料理は海外でも人気だ。 — Japanese food, including sushi, is popular overseas.
- 先生をはじめ、皆さんに感謝しています。 — I am grateful to everyone, starting with my teacher.

## Nuance of をはじめ

The key nuance is **the named item is a leading or representative example**.

This matters because **をはじめ** does more than translate one English phrase. It shows how the speaker connects ideas, evaluates a situation, or frames the sentence for the listener.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[など](/blog/n4-nado/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## をはじめ vs など

Both **をはじめ** and **[など](/blog/n4-nado/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**をはじめ**:
- means **starting with; including**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[など](/blog/n4-nado/)**:
- など simply says “and so on”; をはじめ presents the first item as representative or prominent

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 日本をはじめ、多くの国でこの問題が起きている。 — Starting with Japan, this problem is occurring in many countries.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[など](/blog/n4-nado/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with をはじめ

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it for a random minor example
- Forgetting the larger group after it
- Using it too casually in everyday speech

## Is をはじめ on the JLPT?

Yes. **をはじめ** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for をはじめ

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say everyone participated, starting with the manager.
- Mention sushi as a representative Japanese food.
- Say events happened nationwide starting with Tokyo.

## Learning path for をはじめ

To learn **をはじめ** efficiently, review basic particles like について and に, then focus on the relationship each formal marker creates.

1. First, make sure you can form **をはじめ** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [など](/blog/n4-nado/), [に対して（にたいして）](/blog/n3-ni-taishite/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write reading-style sentences about society, research, policy, opinions, and reports; then check whether replacing **をはじめ** with [にとって](/blog/n3-ni-totte/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [など](/blog/n4-nado/) — because it is the closest comparison used in this article.
- [に対して（にたいして）](/blog/n3-ni-taishite/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.
- [にとって](/blog/n3-ni-totte/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.
- [について](/blog/n3-ni-tsuite/) — because it is another formal relation marker common in JLPT reading.

## Learn をはじめ with Hane

If you want to review **をはじめ** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)