をはじめ

The grammar structure をはじめ is used to present a representative example from a larger group, meaning "starting with," "including," or "such as…and many others." The noun before をはじめ is typically the most prominent or well-known member of the group, and it implies that there are many other similar items beyond what is explicitly mentioned.

Basic usage

Place a noun (the representative example) before をはじめ, then list additional items or describe the broader group.

をはじめとして / をはじめとする

をはじめ has two common extended forms:

• をはじめとして functions the same as をはじめ and connects to a following clause.

  にほんご日本語をはじめとして、えいご英語やちゅうごくご中国語もはなせます話せます。

  Starting with Japanese, I can also speak English and Chinese.

• をはじめとする

  • Noun is used to modify a noun directly.
    しゃちょう社長をはじめとするかんぶ幹部があつまった集まった。

    The executives, starting with the president, gathered.

Nuance

The item placed before をはじめ is typically the most notable or representative of the group. Unlike a simple list, をはじめ emphasizes that the first item is a prime example and that there are many more beyond those mentioned. It is used in formal writing and speech, such as news reports, presentations, and essays.