Translation guide
How to express 'start up' in Japanese, covering starting engines, machines, computers, businesses, and more.
start up an engine
start up a computer
start up a business
To cause an engine, motor, or mechanical device to begin operating.
Used for starting engines, especially in vehicles. Often used with エンジンを.
Start the engine.
More technical term for starting a machine or engine. Often used in manuals.
Start up the machine.
Common for starting up computers, software, or electronic devices.
Start up the computer.
To boot up or power on a computer, smartphone, or similar electronic device.
Standard term for booting up a computer or launching an application.
To establish or launch a new company, venture, or initiative.
To begin moving or doing something abruptly, often with energy.
Both mean 'to start up' a computer or system. 起動する is slightly more formal and technical, while 立ち上げる is more casual and often used in business contexts for launching projects or systems.
Start up the system (technical)
I couldn't start up my car this morning.
It takes time to start up the computer.
Literally 'stand up', used for booting a computer or launching a program. Slightly more casual.
Start up the system.
Literally 'put in the power', meaning to turn on a device. More general than just booting.
First, please start up (turn on) the device.
Commonly used for launching a new business, project, or website. Implies getting something off the ground.
Start up a new company.
Specifically means to start a business or become an entrepreneur. More formal.
He started up an IT company.
General verb for 'to start'. Can be used for businesses or projects, but less specific than 立ち上げる.
Start up a new project.
He suddenly started up (began moving).
Literally 'jump up', used when someone starts up from sleep or a resting position.
He started up from the bed.
新規事業を立ち上げる
Launch a new business
The loanword スタートアップ (sutātoappu) is mainly used for startup companies. It is not used for starting engines or computers.
He works at a startup.
She started up her own business.
The computer takes a long time to start up.