Explanation
Realization or action done for the first time; 'only after', 'not until'.
Formation
Verb-て form + はじめて
Detailed explanation
The ～てはじめて grammar point indicates that something is realized or happens for the first time only after another action is completed. It can be translated as 'only after' or 'not until'.
Examples
Kaigai ni itte hajimete, Nihon no yosa ga wakarimashita.
Only after going abroad did I realize how great Japan is.
Kanojo to wakarete hajimete, kanojo no taisetsusa ni kizuita.
I realized her importance only after breaking up with her.
Daigaku o sotsugyou shite hajimete, gakusei jidai no tanoshisa ga wakatta.
I understood how fun my student days were only after graduating from university.
Kodomo ga dekite hajimete, oya no kimochi ga wakatta.
I understood how parents feel only after I had a child.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.