Translation guide
The English verb 'depart' generally means to leave a place, especially at the start of a journey. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on the context: whether you are talking about a person leaving, a vehicle departing, or a more formal or literary departure. The most common and versatile word is 出発する (shuppatsu suru), but other verbs like 出る (deru) and 立つ (tatsu) are also frequently used.
To express that someone leaves a place to begin a trip or journey.
The most standard and neutral verb for 'depart' when starting a trip. It can be used for people, vehicles, and scheduled departures.
We will depart early tomorrow morning.
The train departed on time.
Often used for departing on a journey, especially in more literary or formal contexts. It can also mean 'to leave' a place.
He departed on a journey.
The party departed from Tokyo.
A very common verb meaning 'to leave' or 'to go out'. It is less formal than 出発する and is used in everyday speech for departing from a place.
What time do you depart from home?
Has the plane departed yet?
A variant of 立つ, often used specifically for departing on a journey. It is somewhat literary.
He departs for America tomorrow.
To say that a scheduled vehicle leaves a station, airport, etc.
Standard for scheduled departures of trains, buses, planes, etc.
The Shinkansen departs at 10 o'clock.
Specifically used for trains and buses departing from a station. Common in announcements.
The train will depart shortly.
Casual and common for vehicles leaving. Used in everyday conversation.
To express departure in a formal, written, or poetic style.
To express that someone or something moves away from a usual path, rule, or subject.
出発する is more formal and often used for scheduled departures or when emphasizing the start of a journey. 出る is more casual and general, meaning simply 'to leave' or 'to go out'. In everyday speech, 出る is very common for departing from home or a place.
I will depart tomorrow morning. (formal/planned)
I'm leaving now. (casual)
The English word 'depart' sounds similar to the Japanese word デパート (depāto), which means 'department store'. Be careful not to confuse them.
I'm going to the department store.
Has the bus already departed?
彼女は新たな人生へ旅立った。
She departed for a new life.
話が本題から外れた。
The conversation departed from the main topic.