Translation guide
How to express the idea of beginning to run in Japanese, covering both literal and figurative uses.
He suddenly started running.
I start running at 6 every morning.
Emphasizes the sudden onset of running, often used for spontaneous or impulsive actions.
He started running when he saw the dog.
Implies dashing or sprinting out, often with a sense of urgency or excitement. More literary or dramatic.
The children dashed out into the schoolyard.
To cause a machine, engine, or motor to begin running.
General term for starting to operate something. 動かす means 'to move/operate'.
He started running the engine.
Specifically for starting to drive or operate a vehicle/machine. 運転 means 'operation/driving'.
Technical term for starting up machinery or systems. Often used in manuals or formal contexts.
Please start running the system.
For water, tears, or other liquids to begin flowing.
To begin managing, conducting, or operating something like a business, event, or software.
For starting to run a business, organization, or event. 運営 means 'management/operation'.
He started running a new company.
Specifically for starting to run a business. 経営 means 'business management'.
I started running a restaurant.
For starting to run a program or process. 実行 means 'execution'.
He started running the program.
English 'run' has many meanings. Do not use 走る for machines, liquids, or management. Choose the appropriate Japanese verb (動かす, 流れる, 運営する, etc.) and combine with 始める or 出す.
started running the engine (incorrect)
started running the engine (correct)
He started running the truck.
The water finally started running.