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
手始め
てはじめ (tehajime)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "start" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 開始 and 手始め.
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, 手始め (てはじめ (tehajime)) maps to "start, beginning, first step" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the initial action or first step in a series of tasks or an endeavor. Often used with 「手始めに」. 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 "手始め"
まずは手始めに資料を集めることから始めよう。
First, let's start by gathering materials.
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.". "手始め" represents "start, beginning, first step".