Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Start" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "start", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
着手する
ちゃくしゅする (chakushusuru)
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 着手する and 口火を切る.
In Japanese, 着手する (ちゃくしゅする (chakushusuru)) is typically associated with "to start work, to embark on, to commence" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used for formally or significantly beginning a project, task, or investigation..
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 "着手する"
新しい研究プロジェクトは来月から着手される予定だ。
The new research project is scheduled to commence 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: "新しい研究プロジェクトは来月から着手される予定だ。" (Meaning: "The new research project is scheduled to commence next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "着手する" fits here because it means "to start work, to embark on, to commence" in the context of: "The new research project is scheduled to commence next month.". "口火を切る" represents "to start (a discussion, dispute, etc.), to lead off, to fire the first shot".