write + (and…) + only after doing
kaite hajimete
only after doing; not until doing — the trigger for a realization
meaning: only after writing
正直、留学してはじめて、日本語の難しさが分かった。
shoujiki, ryuugakushite hajimete, nihongo no muzukashisa ga wakatta.
Honestly, only after studying abroad did I realize how difficult Japanese is. casual
実際に住んではじめて、その街の良さが分かった。
jissai ni sunde hajimete, sono machi no yosa ga wakatta.
It was only after actually living there that I understood the town's charm. neutral