Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Start" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "start", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
言い出す
いいだす (iidasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
着手
ちゃくしゅ (chakushu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "start" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 言い出す and 着手.
In Japanese, 言い出す (いいだす (iidasu)) is typically associated with "to start talking, to bring up (a topic), to suggest" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often implies initiating a conversation or being the first to speak about something, sometimes after hesitation or difficulty. 誰かが最初に話すこと、または躊躇した後に何かを話すことを意味します。.
On the other hand, 着手 (ちゃくしゅ (chakushu)) maps to "to start work; to embark on; to set about" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 新しいプロジェクトや計画などに「具体的な行動を開始する」ことを指す、ややフォーマルな表現です。A somewhat formal expression referring to 'commencing concrete actions' on a new project or plan.. A literal translation of "start" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "言い出す"
会議で誰も意見を言い出せなかった。
No one could bring up their opinion in the meeting.
Bilingual Context for "着手"
新しいビルの建設プロジェクトがついに着手された。
The construction project for the new building has finally commenced.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議で誰も意見を言い出せなかった。" (Meaning: "No one could bring up their opinion in the meeting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "言い出す" fits here because it means "to start talking, to bring up (a topic), to suggest" in the context of: "No one could bring up their opinion in the meeting.". "着手" represents "to start work; to embark on; to set about".