How to say "Start" in Japanese

When translating "start" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 振り出す and 口火を切る. In Japanese, 振り出す (ふりだす (furidasu)) is typically associated with "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.. On the other hand, 口火を切る (くちびをきる (kuchibi o kiru)) maps to "to start (a discussion, dispute, etc.), to lead off, to fire the first shot" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents An idiomatic expression meaning to initiate something, especially a discussion, debate, conflict, or a series of events. きっかけを作る、最初に始めることを意味する。比喩的に用いられることが多い。. A literal translation of "start" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!