を始め
Not only...but also..., Starting with
Structure
Noun + をはじめとする + Noun
Explanation
The grammar point を始め is used to single out a prominent example (A) before mentioning other related items (B). This is useful for listing things that belong to the same category. It can be translated as 'starting with (A), (B)' or 'not only (A), but also (B)'.
The structure involves attaching を始め to a noun that serves as the main example, which is then followed by a list or description of other, similar items.
- この店はパンをはじめ、ケーキやクッキーなども売っている。Not only does this shop sell bread, but it also sells things like cakes and cookies.
- うちには犬をはじめ、猫やハムスターもいる。Not only do we have a dog at home, but also a cat and a hamster.
To further underscore that the first item mentioned is the principal example, をはじめ can be combined with として or とする. This combination reinforces the idea of '(A) being the primary example,' and is often translated as 'with (A) as a prime example...' or 'starting with (A)...'.
- アニメは日本を始めとして、世界中で人気が出た。With Japan as the starting point, anime became popular throughout the world.
- 京都には金閣寺をはじめとする有名なお寺がたくさんある。Starting with Kinkaku-ji, there are many famous temples in Kyoto. (Kinkaku-ji being a prime example)
Examples
寿司を始め、てんぷらやラーメンも食べた。
Starting with sushi, I also ate tempura and ramen.
数学を始め、理科や社会も苦手だ。
Starting with math, I'm also not very good at science or social studies.
両親を始め、家族みんなが応援してくれた。
My whole family cheered me on, starting with my parents.
サッカーを始め、いろいろなスポーツを見るのが好きです。
I like to watch various sports, starting with soccer.
京都を始め、関西には歴史的な場所が多い。
The Kansai region has many historical sites, starting with Kyoto.
iPhoneを始め、アップル製品は人気が高い。
Apple products, starting with the iPhone, are very popular.
店長を始め、スタッフ全員が親切だった。
All of the staff were kind, starting with the store manager.
このカレーは玉ねぎを始め、たくさんの野菜が入っていて体にいい。
This curry is good for you because it has a lot of vegetables, starting with onions.
ビタミンCを始め、このドリンクには様々な栄養が含まれている。
This drink contains various nutrients, starting with vitamin C.
彼の部屋にはゲームを始め、漫画やフィギュアがたくさんある。
There are lots of things in his room, starting with video games, as well as manga and figurines.
来賓の方々を始め、ご来場の皆様、誠にありがとうございます。
I'd like to thank everyone for coming today, starting with our distinguished guests.
歌舞伎を始めとする日本の伝統芸能に興味があります。
I'm interested in traditional Japanese performing arts, such as kabuki.