Processing keyword: Noun を はじめとして (Noun wo hajimete shite)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun を はじめとして (Noun wo hajimete shite)

1. Introduction

をはじめとして (wo hajimete shite) is a Japanese grammar structure used to highlight a representative example from a group. It emphasizes that something applies not only to the mentioned noun but also to others in the same category.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• English Translation:
  • Starting with Noun
  • Including Noun
  • Not only Noun but also others

Usage

• To indicate that the noun is a prime example among others.
• Often used in formal contexts such as writing, speeches, and announcements.

Structure

Formation Diagram

Noun + をはじめとして + (Noun Phrase/Noun Clause)

• Noun: The representative example.
• をはじめとして: "Starting with" or "including."
• Noun Phrase/Noun Clause: Additional items or information.

Breakdown

Component	Japanese	Role
Noun	先生 (sensei)	Representative example
を	を (wo)	Object marker particle
はじめとして	はじめとして	"Starting with" (phrase)
Rest of sentence	学生が参加した	Additional information

Visual Aid: Structure Table

Japanese	Romaji	English Translation
先生をはじめとして、	Sensei wo hajimete shite,	Starting with the teachers,
多くの人が参加しました。	ōku no hito ga sanka shimashita.	many people participated.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. Noun をはじめ

• Usage: Shortened form of をはじめとして.
• Example:
  • 日本をはじめ、アジアの国々が参加する。
    Nihon wo hajime, Ajia no kuniguni ga sanka suru.
    Starting with Japan, Asian countries will participate.

2. Noun を皮切りに (Noun wo kawakiri ni)

• Usage: Means "starting with Noun," but often implies the beginning of a series of events.
• Example:
  • コンサートツアーは東京公演を皮切りに開始する。
    Konsāto tsuā wa Tōkyō kōen wo kawakiri ni kaishi suru.
    The concert tour will start beginning with the Tokyo performance. Note: While をはじめとして is used to list examples, を皮切りに emphasizes the start of something significant.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Example 1

大学の教授をはじめとして、多くの専門家がこの研究に参加しています。 Daigaku no kyōju wo hajimete shite, ōku no senmonka ga kono kenkyū ni sanka shite imasu.

• Translation:
  Starting with university professors, many experts are participating in this research.

Example 2

スマートフォンをはじめとして、最新の電子機器が展示されています。 Sumātofon wo hajimete shite, saishin no denshi kiki ga tenji sarete imasu.

• Translation:
  Including smartphones, the latest electronic devices are on display.

Example 3

山田さんをはじめ、チーム全員がこのプロジェクトに貢献しました。 Yamada-san wo hajimete shite, chīmu zen'in ga kono purojekuto ni kōken shimashita.

• Translation:
  Starting with Mr. Yamada, the entire team contributed to this project.

Example 4

日本料理をはじめとして、世界の様々な料理が楽しめます。 Nihon ryōri wo hajimete shite, sekai no samazama na ryōri ga tanoshimemasu.

• Translation:
  You can enjoy various cuisines from around the world, starting with Japanese cuisine.

Example 5

環境問題をはじめ、多くの課題に取り組んでいます。 Kankyō mondai wo hajimete shite, ōku no kadai ni torikunde imasu.

• Translation:
  We are addressing many issues, starting with environmental problems.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness and Formality:
  • をはじめとして is a formal expression, suitable for official statements, academic writing, and respectful speech.
  • It shows deference by mentioning a notable person or item first.
• Collectivism in Japanese Culture:
  • Emphasizes group inclusion by acknowledging a representative example among many.

Idiomatic Expressions

• Noun をはじめとする
  • Functions similarly but is used to directly modify a noun.
  • Example:
    • 東京をはじめとする大都市でイベントが開催される。
      Tōkyō wo hajimete suru daitoshi de ibento ga kaisai sareru.
      Events will be held in major cities including Tokyo.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Particle Usage
   • Mistake: Using が (ga) or は (wa) instead of を (wo).
   • Incorrect: 先生がはじめとして
   • Correct: 先生をはじめとして
2. Using in Casual Conversation
   • Mistake: Using をはじめとして in informal settings can sound overly formal.
   • Tip: In casual conversations, simply list items without this structure.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device
  • Associate はじめ (hajime) with "beginning" or "starting."
• Practice Creating Sentences
  • List groups or categories starting with a key example.
  • Exercise: Write sentences about a club, company, or event, highlighting a leading member or feature.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• をはじめとして emphasizes a representative example among others.
• It is a formal expression used in writing and speeches.
• The structure requires the particle を before はじめとして.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does をはじめとして mean in English?
   a) Only Noun
   b) Except Noun
   c) Starting with Noun
   Answer: c) Starting with Noun
2. Which particle is correctly used before はじめとして?
   a) が (ga)
   b) を (wo)
   c) に (ni)
   Answer: b) を (wo)
3. Is をはじめとして more suitable for formal or informal contexts?
   Answer: Formal contexts

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Feel free to revisit the examples and practice creating your own sentences using をはじめとして to become more comfortable with this grammar point!

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