Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Start" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "start", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
始める
はじめる (hajimeru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
振り出す
ふりだす (furidasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "start" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 始める and 振り出す.
In Japanese, 始める (はじめる (hajimeru)) is typically associated with "to start (something)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. To initiate an action or activity..
On the other hand, 振り出す (ふりだす (furidasu)) maps to "to start to rain/snow (suddenly); to issue (a check, bill)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 雨や雪が急に降り始める様子や、小切手・手形などを発行する際に使われます。/ Used when rain or snow suddenly starts, or when issuing checks or bills.. A literal translation of "start" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "始める"
今日から新しい仕事を始めます。
I will start a new job today.
Bilingual Context for "振り出す"
急に雨が振り出したので、洗濯物を取り込んだ。
It suddenly started raining, so I brought in the laundry.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今日から新しい仕事を始めます。" (Meaning: "I will start a new job today.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "始める" fits here because it means "to start (something)" in the context of: "I will start a new job today.". "振り出す" represents "to start to rain/snow (suddenly); to issue (a check, bill)".