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.
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.
Let's set off soon.
I set off to go shopping.
Literary or poetic term for embarking on a journey. Often used in writing or formal speeches.
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.
They set off a bomb.
For activating a device, alarm, or mechanism. More technical than 爆発させる.
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'.
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.
The remark set off a huge controversy.
More formal, often used for triggering a reaction or condition, like an allergy or a crisis.
The medicine set off an allergic reaction.
Means 'to become the trigger' or 'to spark'. Often used for starting a trend or movement.
The incident set off the war.
To contrast or highlight, making something more noticeable.
Someone set off the fire alarm.
His joke set off laughter.