1. Kanji Breakdown: 始
This kanji represents the concept of a beginning or commencement.
Meaning: To begin, to start, to commence; beginning, inception.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): シ (shi)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): はじ（める） (haji(meru)), はじ（まる） (haji(maru))
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (女): This is the "woman" radical.
Right (台): This component originally depicted a "fetus in the womb," symbolizing the beginning of life.
Thus, the character beautifully combines the ideas of "woman" (女) and "the beginning of life (台)," creating the profound meaning of "origin" or "commencement." This reflects the fundamental concept of birth as the ultimate beginning.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "始" has 8 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 8
Start with the left radical "女" (woman radical):
Then, write the right part "台":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left radical "女" is written with a specific, flowing stroke order. The first stroke (ㄑ) is crucial.
The right part "台" should be slightly lower than the top of the "女" radical, creating a balanced look.
The final horizontal stroke of "台" anchors the character.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "始" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
始める (はじめる, hajimeru)
Meaning: To begin (something), to start (a transitive verb).
Example: 新しい本を読み始めました。
Romaji: Atarashii hon o yomihajimemashita.
English: I started reading a new book.
始まる (はじまる, hajimaru)
Meaning: To begin, to start (an intransitive verb).
Example: 映画は午後7時に始まります。
Romaji: Eiga wa gogo shichi-ji ni hajimarimasu.
English: The movie begins at 7 p.m.
開始 (かいし, kaishi)
Meaning: Start, commencement, beginning (a formal noun).
例文: 会議の開始時間を教えてください。
Romaji: Kaigi no kaishi jikan o oshiete kudasai.
English: Please tell me the start time of the meeting.
始業 (しぎょう, shigyō)
Meaning: Start of work, beginning of a workday or school term.
Example: 始業のベルが鳴った。
Romaji: Shigyō no beru ga natta.
English: The start-of-work bell rang.
始発 (しはつ, shihatsu)
Meaning: First train (or bus) of the day.
Example: 始発電車に乗って空港へ向かった。
Romaji: Shihatsu densha ni notte kūkō e mukatta.
English: I took the first train to the airport.
Summary
Kanji: 始
Core Meaning: To Begin, To Start; Beginning.
Readings: On'yomi シ (shi), Kun'yomi はじめる (hajimeru)
Stroke Order: 8 strokes. Remember it's composed of 女 (woman) and 台 (beginning of life). Practice writing it step-by-step to master its form.
This kanji is absolutely essential for everyday conversation, as it is used to talk about starting any action or event. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this fundamental character.