🦅 Project Eagle
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

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 着手する and 着工. 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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "着工" represents "start of construction".