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
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 開始 and 着工.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "着工" represents "start of construction".