Translation guide
The English verb 'commence' means to begin or start something, often in a formal or official context. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on the formality and what is starting.
The meeting will commence at 2 PM.
The ceremony will commence shortly.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to begin'. Used when the subject itself starts. Less formal than 開始する but still acceptable in many contexts.
The ceremony commences at 10 o'clock.
Transitive verb meaning 'to start something'. Use when someone commences an activity.
He commenced his speech.
Specifically used for opening a meeting, conference, or formal gathering. More limited than 開始する.
The chairperson commenced the meeting.
To express that someone begins doing something, often a planned activity.
Means 'to commence' in the sense of embarking on a task or project. Formal and often used in business or legal contexts.
We have commenced the project.
Construction is scheduled to commence next month.
General verb for starting an action. Less formal than 着手する.
Means 'to get started on' or 'to set about' a task. Implies beginning work in earnest.
To express that a legal action, lawsuit, or official procedure begins.
開始する is formal and often used for scheduled events or official processes. 始める is transitive (someone starts something) and more casual. 始まる is intransitive (something starts on its own). Choose based on formality and transitivity.
We will commence the meeting. (formal)
We will start the meeting. (neutral)
The meeting will begin. (intransitive)
In English, 'commence' is very formal. In Japanese, using 開始する in casual conversation can sound stiff. For everyday 'start', use 始める or 始まる instead.
調査を始めましょう。
Let's commence the investigation.
He commenced work immediately.