Translation guide
The English word "start" covers beginning an action, initiating an event, turning on a machine, or the beginning point of something. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on what is starting and how.
Used when you want to emphasize the action as a noun phrase. Slightly more formal or written.
日本語を勉強することを始めた。
I started studying Japanese.
Transitive verb meaning 'to start something'. Used with a direct object.
会議を始めましょう。
Let's start the meeting.
When something starts on its own, like an event, a season, or a machine.
Intransitive verb for 'to begin'. Used for events, classes, seasons, etc.
映画が始まった。
The movie started.
授業は9時に始まります。
Class starts at 9.
To turn on or activate something like a car, computer, or engine.
General verb for turning on electrical devices, lights, etc.
テレビをつけた。
I turned on the TV.
Technical term for starting up a computer, system, or engine.
パソコンを起動する。
Start up the computer.
Specifically for starting a car or engine.
車のエンジンをかけた。
I started the car engine.
To launch, establish, or initiate something new.
Can be used for starting a business, project, etc.
新しい事業を始めた。
Started a new business.
Often used for launching a project, company, or website. Implies setting up from scratch.
Formal term for founding a business.
彼は20歳で会社を創業した。
He founded the company at age 20.
The beginning of a period, race, or location.
Noun meaning 'beginning' or 'origin'.
これがすべての始まりだった。
This was the start of everything.
Loanword used for the start of a race, game, or event.
Formal noun for 'start' or 'commencement', often in official contexts.
To begin working in a new position or field.
To start a job or get employed.
彼は銀行に就職した。
He started working at a bank.
To make one's debut, often in entertainment or sports.
彼女は歌手としてデビューした。
She debuted as a singer.
始める (transitive) is used when someone starts something. 始まる (intransitive) is used when something starts by itself. Compare: 会議を始める (start the meeting) vs. 会議が始まる (the meeting starts).
スタート is mainly for races, games, and events. Using it for everyday actions like 'start eating' sounds unnatural. Use 食べ始める instead.
会議を始めましょう。
Let's start the meeting.
映画は7時に始まります。
The movie starts at 7.
日本語を勉強し始めた。
I started learning Japanese.
会社を立ち上げた。
Launched a company.
レースのスタート地点
the starting point of the race
The start time is 1 PM.