始める

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 始める is read as はじめる and means to begin or start.
• Basic usage: It can describe starting study after breakfast or beginning work at a teacher’s signal.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Starting to study
  • 始める: I start studying after breakfast. Example: 朝ご飯を食べてから勉強を始める。
• Beginning work at a signal
  • 始めた: At the teacher's signal, everyone began working. Example: 先生の合図で皆が作業を始めた。