Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Set" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "set", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取り掛かる
とりかかる (torikakaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
乗り出す
のりだす (noridasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "set" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 取り掛かる and 乗り出す.
In Japanese, 取り掛かる (とりかかる (torikakaru)) is typically associated with "to set about, to start work on, to begin" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies starting a task, project, or process. Often used when commencing a significant or complex piece of work, or a new phase of activity..
On the other hand, 乗り出す (のりだす (noridasu)) maps to "to set out (on a journey), to embark on, to lean forward" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can mean physically leaning forward. A literal translation of "set" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "取り掛かる"
そろそろ、論文の執筆に取り掛からないと間に合わない。
I need to start writing my thesis soon, or I won't make it in time.
Bilingual Context for "乗り出す"
政府は新しい経済政策に乗り出すことを発表した。
The government announced that it would embark on new economic policies.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "そろそろ、論文の執筆に取り掛からないと間に合わない。" (Meaning: "I need to start writing my thesis soon, or I won't make it in time.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取り掛かる" fits here because it means "to set about, to start work on, to begin" in the context of: "I need to start writing my thesis soon, or I won't make it in time.". "乗り出す" represents "to set out (on a journey), to embark on, to lean forward".