Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "振り出す", "着手", "着工", "口火を切る"
All represent the core concept "start", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
振り出す
ふりだす (furidasu)
N2 / 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
口火を切る
くちびをきる (kuchibi o kiru)
N1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "start" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "振り出す", "着手", "着工", "口火を切る" based on context.
- 振り出す (ふりだす (furidasu) - Level: N2): Maps to "to start to rain/snow (suddenly); to issue (a check, bill)" and is used when 雨や雪が急に降り始める様子や、小切手・手形などを発行する際に使われます。/ Used when rain or snow suddenly starts, or when issuing checks or bills..
- 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」.
- 口火を切る (くちびをきる (kuchibi o kiru) - Level: N1): Maps to "to start (a discussion, dispute, etc.), to lead off, to fire the first shot" and is used when An idiomatic expression meaning to initiate something, especially a discussion, debate, conflict, or a series of events. きっかけを作る、最初に始めることを意味する。比喩的に用いられることが多い。.
Context for "振り出す"
急に雨が振り出したので、洗濯物を取り込んだ。
It suddenly started raining, so I brought in the laundry.
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 "口火を切る"
会議で彼が口火を切ると、活発な議論が始まった。
When he started the discussion at the meeting, a lively debate began.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "急に雨が振り出したので、洗濯物を取り込んだ。" (Meaning: "It suddenly started raining, so I brought in the laundry.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "振り出す" is correct here because it represents "to start to rain/snow (suddenly); to issue (a check, bill)" in the context: "It suddenly started raining, so I brought in the laundry.".