〜をはじめ
Formation
Meaning
Used to pick out one representative example and then introduce other similar items within the same group. It emphasizes that the first item is the most important or common representative.
Note
Used to introduce a primary example followed by others in the same category. More formal than just listing items using 'ya' or 'toka'.
Examples
この店は、寿司をはじめ、多くの日本料理が食べられる。
At this restaurant, you can eat many Japanese dishes, starting with sushi.
東京をはじめ、全国の主要都市で開催される。
It will be held in major cities nationwide, starting with Tokyo.
校長先生を始め、先生方には大変お世話になりました。
I am very grateful to the teachers, starting with the principal.
彼は、英語をはじめとして、５カ国語が話せる。
He can speak five languages, starting with English.
富士山をはじめ、この地方には美しい山が多い。
Starting with Mount Fuji, there are many beautiful mountains in this region.
健康食品を始めとして、多くの新製品を開発している。
We are developing many new products, including health foods.