Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Start" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "start", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
振り出す
ふりだす (furidasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
着工
ちゃっこう (chakkou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "start" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 振り出す and 着工.
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, 着工 (ちゃっこう (chakkou)) maps to "start of construction" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Specifically refers to the commencement of construction work on a building or project. Often used with 「する」. A literal translation of "start" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "着工"
新しいビルの建設は来月着工する予定だ。
Construction of the new building is scheduled to start next month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "急に雨が振り出したので、洗濯物を取り込んだ。" (Meaning: "It suddenly started raining, so I brought in the laundry.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "振り出す" fits here because it means "to start to rain/snow (suddenly); to issue (a check, bill)" in the context of: "It suddenly started raining, so I brought in the laundry.". "着工" represents "start of construction".