Hey, I'm a little confused about the differences between はじまる　and はじめる. They are very similar, and from the different dictionary descriptions my best guess is that はじまる　is to begin something such as an event and はじめる　is to start to "do" something. If you have further differences or suggestions on when to use which, please assist me. Thanx in advance.

Konnichiwa! :lol: Yes, you are correct about the difference between: _Hajimeru vs. Hajimaru_ *始める vs. 始まる* Here are some examples of sentences in which these words are used: :idea: First word: *Hajimeru* "begin to do" "start to do" "commence" *Sense wa hanashi _hajimeru_.* The teacher begins to talk. *Watashi wa tabe _hajimeru_.* I begin to eat. *Ame ga furi _hajimeta_.* It began to rain. :idea: Second word: *Hajimaru* _"to begin" "to start"_ *Gakoo wa Shigatsu Youka kara _hajimaru_. * School begins on April 8. *Tsuyu wa Rokugatsu nakaba ni _hajimaru_.* The rainy season starts about the middle of June. *Senso ga _hajimatta_.* The war broke out.

わかった ありがとうございました The example sentences were what I expected and cleared things up. Very useful.