Translation guide
The English word 'launch' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: starting a new product, project, or service; sending a rocket or spacecraft into the air; putting a boat into water; and initiating an attack or campaign. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
To introduce something new to the public or begin a new initiative.
General term for starting something. Suitable for projects, campaigns, or services.
新プロジェクトを開始する。
We will launch a new project.
Commonly used for launching a business, website, or system. Implies setting up and getting it running.
新会社を立ち上げる予定です。
We plan to launch a new company.
Specifically for launching a product onto the market.
来月、新製品を発売します。
We will launch a new product next month.
Loanword from English, often used for software, apps, music, or movies.
新しいアプリをリリースした。
They launched a new app.
Formal term for starting up a system or organization. Often used in business or technical contexts.
新体制が始動した。
The new system has been launched.
To propel a rocket, missile, or spacecraft upward.
Standard term for launching a rocket or satellite.
ロケットを打ち上げた。
They launched a rocket.
Used for launching missiles, torpedoes, or projectiles. Can sound more military.
ミサイルを発射した。
They launched a missile.
To move a vessel from land into water, especially for the first time.
Specifically for launching a newly built ship.
新しい船を進水させた。
They launched a new ship.
General term for putting a boat into water, like taking a small boat out.
ボートを湖に出した。
We launched the boat on the lake.
To start a military attack, investigation, or aggressive action.
General term for starting an attack or campaign.
攻撃を開始した。
They launched an attack.
Implies initiating something actively, often used for attacks or challenges.
敵が攻撃を仕掛けてきた。
The enemy launched an attack.
Used for launching a sudden attack or sending out forces.
開始する is a general 'start' and can be used for many things. 立ち上げる is specifically for setting up and launching something like a business or website. 発売する is only for releasing a product for sale.
打ち上げる means 'launch' only in the sense of sending something into the sky (rockets, fireworks). Using it for a product launch would be unnatural.
大軍を繰り出した。
They launched a large army.