Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Start" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "start", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
開始
かいし (kaishi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
始まる
はじまる (hajimaru)
A1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "start" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 開始 and 始まる.
In Japanese, 開始 (かいし (kaishi)) is typically associated with "start; commencement; beginning" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used for events, meetings, projects, or formal procedures. Can be a noun.
On the other hand, 始まる (はじまる (hajimaru)) maps to "to start" (Syllabus Level: A1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR A1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "start" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "開始"
会議は午後1時に開始します。
The meeting will start at 1 PM.
Bilingual Context for "始まる"
毎日、日本語を練習するために始まる。
Every day, I start to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議は午後1時に ＿＿＿ します。" (Meaning: "The meeting will start at 1 PM.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "開始" fits here because it means "start; commencement; beginning" in the context of: "The meeting will start at 1 PM.". "始まる" represents "to start".