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
言い出す
いいだす (iidasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "start" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 始める and 言い出す.
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, 言い出す (いいだす (iidasu)) maps to "to start talking, to bring up (a topic), to suggest" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often implies initiating a conversation or being the first to speak about something, sometimes after hesitation or difficulty. 誰かが最初に話すこと、または躊躇した後に何かを話すことを意味します。. 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 "言い出す"
会議で誰も意見を言い出せなかった。
No one could bring up their opinion in the meeting.
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.". "言い出す" represents "to start talking, to bring up (a topic), to suggest".