Translation guide
The English phrasal verb 'set off' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: starting a journey, causing something to explode or activate, triggering an event or reaction, and making something stand out visually. Each meaning is explained with natural Japanese expressions.
To begin a trip or leave for a destination.
The standard, neutral way to say 'set off' or 'depart'. Suitable for most situations.
明日の朝早く出発します。
We'll set off early tomorrow morning.
They set off on a trip.
More casual and common in daily conversation. Implies going out, not necessarily a long journey.
そろそろ出かけよう。
Let's set off soon.
買い物に出かけた。
I set off to go shopping.
Literary or poetic term for embarking on a journey. Often used in writing or formal speeches.
彼は新たな冒険に旅立った。
He set off on a new adventure.
To trigger an explosion, alarm, or mechanism.
Specifically for causing an explosion. Use when 'set off' means detonate.
彼らは爆弾を爆発させた。
They set off a bomb.
For activating a device, alarm, or mechanism. More technical than 爆発させる.
煙が警報を作動させた。
The smoke set off the alarm.
Common for setting off an alarm or bell. Literally 'to ring' or 'to sound'.
For setting off fireworks or igniting something. Literally 'to ignite'.
彼らは花火を点火した。
They set off fireworks.
To cause something to happen, often a chain of events or an emotional response.
Broadly used for causing events, reactions, or problems. Works for protests, debates, laughter, etc.
その発言が大論争を引き起こした。
The remark set off a huge controversy.
彼の冗談が笑いを引き起こした。
His joke set off laughter.
More formal, often used for triggering a reaction or condition, like an allergy or a crisis.
その薬がアレルギー反応を誘発した。
The medicine set off an allergic reaction.
Means 'to become the trigger' or 'to spark'. Often used for starting a trend or movement.
その事件が戦争のきっかけとなった。
The incident set off the war.
To contrast or highlight, making something more noticeable.
To make something look better by contrast. Often used for colors, accessories, or design.
その赤いスカーフが彼女の黒いドレスを引き立てている。
The red scarf sets off her black dress.
To make something stand out prominently. Slightly more formal.
照明が絵画を際立たせている。
The lighting sets off the painting.
Someone set off the fire alarm.