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.
To start doing something, often an activity or process.
Attach 始める to the stem of a verb to mean 'start doing V'. This is the most common way to say start an action.
Used when you want to emphasize the action as a noun phrase. Slightly more formal or written.
I started studying Japanese.
Transitive verb meaning 'to start something'. Used with a direct object.
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.
To turn on or activate something like a car, computer, or engine.
General verb for turning on electrical devices, lights, etc.
To launch, establish, or initiate something new.
The beginning of a period, race, or location.
Noun meaning 'beginning' or 'origin'.
To begin working in a new position or field.
To start a job or get employed.
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.
Let's start the meeting.
会議を始めましょう。
Let's start the meeting.
The movie started.
Class starts at 9.
I turned on the TV.
Technical term for starting up a computer, system, or engine.
Start up the computer.
Specifically for starting a car or engine.
I started the car engine.
Can be used for starting a business, project, etc.
Started a new business.
Often used for launching a project, company, or website. Implies setting up from scratch.
Launched a company.
Formal term for founding a business.
He founded the company at age 20.
This was the start of everything.
Loanword used for the start of a race, game, or event.
the starting point of the race
Formal noun for 'start' or 'commencement', often in official contexts.
The start time is 1 PM.
He started working at a bank.
To make one's debut, often in entertainment or sports.
She debuted as a singer.
The movie starts at 7.
I started learning Japanese.