Translation guide
The English word 'starter' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a person who starts a race, a device that starts an engine, the first course of a meal, and a person new to an activity.
The small dish served before the main course, like soup or salad.
Standard word for appetizer or starter in a Western-style meal.
前菜にスープを頼みました。
I ordered soup as a starter.
Loanword from French 'hors d'oeuvre', common in restaurants.
オードブルは何になさいますか。
What would you like for your starter?
The official who fires the starting pistol or waves the flag.
Loanword used in sports contexts.
スターターがピストルを鳴らした。
The starter fired the pistol.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'person who gives the start signal'.
スタートの合図をする人が旗を上げた。
The starter raised the flag.
The electric motor that cranks a car engine, or a similar device.
Loanword used for car starters and similar devices.
車のスターターが故障した。
The car's starter broke down.
Technical term for starting device, used in manuals.
エンジンの始動装置を点検してください。
Please check the engine starter.
A beginner or novice, e.g., a starter in a job or hobby.
Standard word for beginner, widely used.
彼はまだ初心者ですが、上達が早いです。
He's still a starter, but he's improving quickly.
Often used for a new member in a workplace or team.
新人の研修を行います。
We'll conduct training for starters.