Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Start" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "start", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
着工
ちゃっこう (chakkou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
口火を切る
くちびをきる (kuchibi o kiru)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "start" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 着工 and 口火を切る.
In Japanese, 着工 (ちゃっこう (chakkou)) is typically associated with "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」.
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!
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.
Bilingual Context for "口火を切る"
会議で彼が口火を切ると、活発な議論が始まった。
When he started the discussion at the meeting, a lively debate began.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "新しいビルの建設は来月 ＿＿＿ する予定だ。" (Meaning: "Construction of the new building is scheduled to start next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "着工" fits here because it means "start of construction" in the context of: "Construction of the new building is scheduled to start next month.". "口火を切る" represents "to start (a discussion, dispute, etc.), to lead off, to fire the first shot".