JLPT N3

～始める

To begin to; to start (doing)

Structure

Verb ます-stem + 始める

This grammar point is used to indicate that an action or state has started or begun to occur.

雨が降り始めました。

It started raining.

Using it interchangeably with other 'start' expressions like '～出す' when '～始める' implies a more gradual or intentional start.

Remember '始める' literally means 'to begin'. Attaching it to a verb stem indicates the beginning of *that* action.

Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.