Translation guide
To begin a significant or challenging undertaking, such as a journey, project, or new phase. Japanese uses different verbs depending on the nature of what is started.
To begin traveling, especially a long or important journey.
The most natural way to say 'embark on a journey'. Literally 'go out on a journey'.
彼は世界一周の旅に出た。
He embarked on a round-the-world trip.
To begin a significant undertaking such as a business, career, or life stage.
To begin something that requires sustained effort, like research, a book, or a complex process.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'embark on'. Translating word-for-word as '乗り出す' for every context will sound unnatural. Choose the expression based on whether you are starting a journey, a project, or a task.
乗り出す suggests proactive, sometimes bold initiation, often into new territory. 着手する is neutral and formal, simply meaning 'to commence work'. Use 乗り出す for ventures and 着手する for official projects.
彼らはアジア横断の旅に出た。
They embarked on a journey across Asia.
彼女は医療の道に進んだ。
She embarked on a career in medicine.
More natural than a direct translation; 道に進む means 'to go into the field of'.
Means 'depart' or 'set out'. Can be used for journeys, but is more formal and less vivid than 旅に出る.
探検隊は明日、北極へ出発する。
The expedition will embark for the North Pole tomorrow.
Literally 'set sail'. Used specifically for embarking on a ship voyage, often with a poetic or momentous nuance.
彼らは新大陸を目指して船出した。
They embarked on a voyage to the New World.
Means 'to launch into' or 'to set out on' a new venture. Conveys proactive engagement.
彼は新しい事業に乗り出した。
He embarked on a new business venture.
Formal term meaning 'to start work on' or 'to commence'. Common in business and official contexts.
会社は大規模な改革に着手した。
The company embarked on a large-scale reform.
Simple verb meaning 'to begin'. Works for many contexts but lacks the weight of 'embark on'. Use with nouns like 新しい生活 (new life) or 計画 (plan).
彼女は新しい生活を始めた。
She embarked on a new life.
Literally 'step forward'. Used metaphorically for taking the first step into something new, often with courage.
彼は勇気を出して新しい分野に踏み出した。
He mustered the courage to embark on a new field.
Means 'to get started on' or 'to set about' a task. Emphasizes the beginning of work.
彼は論文の執筆に取りかかった。
He embarked on writing his thesis.
Means 'to tackle' or 'to work on'. Implies grappling with a challenge. Often used for problems or long-term projects.
チームは難問に取り組んでいる。
The team has embarked on a difficult problem.