1 to start to do something -- 着手(于)
I have so much to tell you, I don't know where to begin. 我有很多话要跟你说,不知从何谈起。
[ + to infinitive ] After waiting for half an hour she was beginning to get angry. 等了半小时后,她开始生气了。
If you want to learn to play a musical instrument, it might be a good idea to begin on something simple. 如果你想学一种乐器,从简单的开始或许是个好主意。
[ + -ing verb ] Jane has just begun learning to drive. 珍妮刚开始学开车。
I began the book six months ago, but I can't seem to finish it. 我6个月前就开始读这本书,但似乎总也读不完。
[ + speech ] "Well," he began. "I don't quite know how to tell you this." “唉,”他开始说,“这事我真是不知道该怎么样跟你说。”
3 to have something as the first part -- 以…开始;以…开头