Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "始める", "着手", "着工", "手始め"
All represent the core concept "start", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
始める
はじめる (hajimeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
着手
ちゃくしゅ (chakushu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
着工
ちゃっこう (chakkou)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
手始め
てはじめ (tehajime)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "start" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "始める", "着手", "着工", "手始め" based on context.
- 始める (はじめる (hajimeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to start (something)" and is used when Transitive verb. To initiate an action or activity..
- 着手 (ちゃくしゅ (chakushu) - Level: N2): Maps to "to start work; to embark on; to set about" and is used when 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..
- 着工 (ちゃっこう (chakkou) - Level: N2): Maps to "start of construction" and is used when Specifically refers to the commencement of construction work on a building or project. Often used with 「する」.
- 手始め (てはじめ (tehajime) - Level: N2): Maps to "start, beginning, first step" and is used when Refers to the initial action or first step in a series of tasks or an endeavor. Often used with 「手始めに」.
Context for "始める"
今日から新しい仕事を始めます。
I will start a new job today.
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.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今日から新しい仕事を始めます。" (Meaning: "I will start a new job today.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "始める" is correct here because it represents "to start (something)" in the context: "I will start a new job today.".