GRAMMAR DETAIL
てはじめて
Indicates that a previously unknown fact was realized for the first time only after actually having the preceding experience.
Examples
親元を離れてはじめて、家族のありがたさに気づいた。
Only after leaving my parents' home did I realize how much my family meant to me.
Words used
実際に暮らしてはじめて、この町の良さが分かった。
Only after actually living there did I understand what was good about this town.
Words used
病気になってはじめて、健康の大切さを知った。
Only after becoming ill did I realize the importance of good health.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
はじめてafter a verb's te-form links an experience to something realized only after having it. - Basic usage:
実際に暮らしてはじめて、この町の良さが分かった。says that the town's merits became apparent only through actually living there.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- A first experience versus a first realization afterward
初めてこの町で暮らしたdescribes living in this town for the first time.この町で暮らしてはじめて良さが分かったlocates the first realization after living there, soはじめてfocuses on a different event.