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
言い出す
いいだす (iidasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "start" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 開始 and 言い出す.
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, 言い出す (いいだす (iidasu)) maps to "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。. 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 "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.
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.". "言い出す" represents "to start talking, to bring up (a topic), to suggest".