始 — Begin
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Start 7-Day Free Trial →Visual Radical Families for 始 (Begin)
These kanjis share the same recurring visual building block in Shibashi's Japanese kanji mnemonics. Tap any small tile to compare its story:
Common Japanese Words with 始 (Begin)
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When you open (開) something to begin (始) it, that's the start/beginning.
When an event is ready to begin (始), it is said to begin.
When you begin (始) a task, you are said to begin it.
Where things begin (始) is their origin.
The point where you begin (始) is the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions About 始 (Begin)
What is the best kanji mnemonic for 始 (Begin)?
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The Shibashi Japanese kanji mnemonic for 始 ("Begin", read as し) is: With music sheets (し) in front, and her mom by her side, the happy ginger (はじ) girl is about to begin... Using visual kanji mnemonics that combine the character's radicals, meaning, and reading into a single illustrated scene makes 始 effortless to recall.
What does the kanji 始 mean and how is it read in Japanese?
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The Japanese kanji 始 means "Begin". Its primary reading is し (On'yomi: し; Kun'yomi: はじ). Our Japanese kanji mnemonics tie the reading directly into the visual story so you remember both the meaning and pronunciation together.
What are common Japanese words and compounds with 始?
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Essential Japanese vocabulary words containing 始 include: 開始 (かいし - start, commencement, beginning, initiation), 始まる (はじまる - to begin), 始める (はじめる - to begin), 始まり (はじまり - origin, beginning).
How do Japanese kanji mnemonics help you remember 始 (Begin) faster?
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Traditional rote stroke repetition fades quickly. Shibashi's Japanese kanji mnemonics turn 始 (Begin) and its shared visual radical family into memorable characters and objects, paired with smart Spaced Repetition (SRS) and native audio so the memory sticks permanently.