April is the time for new beginnings in Japan, new schools, new jobs, new houses or apartments.  Do you have anything new starting this month?

Here are some great idioms using “begin”:

Begin to see daylight, means to begin to see the end of a long job.

例文：I’ve been working on this report for two years, but I think I’m finally beginning to see daylight.

To begin with, means first, or most importantly.

例文:   To begin with, we don’t have enough money for university, even though you want to go!

Life begins at forty,  means by the time you are forty years old, you have enough experience and skill to do what you want to do with your life.

例文：What are you talking about?  You’re not too old to get married, life begins at forty you know!

Now, three proｖerbs (ことわざ）

Charity begins at home.  Something that you say which means you should try to help your family and friends before you help other people.

例文　You should stay home and take care of your mother, charity begins at home you know.

He who begins many things, finishes but few.  If you start a lot of projects, you will not have time and energy to complete them all.

例文：　　My house is filled with unfinished projects, I guess it’s true, he who begins many things, finishes but few.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.  A difficult job can usually be started by doing a simple thing.            This was also one of my first posts on this blog.

例文：　I want to paint my house, but I’m afraid to start. I guess I should buy some brushes first.  A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. 

I have many new things beginning this year.  I will start new classes in May, I will post more information on that later.

But most importantly, I have recently become a grandfather, and my new grandson will be moving into out home next week.

YEA! YEA!  NEW BEGINNINGS!!!