Translation guide
The English word "starting" can refer to the beginning of an action, event, or state. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on whether you are talking about starting something intentionally, something starting on its own, or the starting point of a process. This guide covers common verbs, phrases, and patterns to express "starting" naturally.
Expressing that someone begins doing something, often with volition.
Attach 始める to the ます-stem of a verb to mean 'start doing V'. This is the most common and neutral way to express starting an action. It implies a deliberate start.
I started studying Japanese.
It started raining.
Similar to 始める, but often implies a sudden or unexpected start. It can also emphasize the emergence of an action.
The baby started crying.
He suddenly started running.
A standalone verb meaning 'to start (something)'. Used with a direct object (noun or nominalized verb).
Let's start the meeting.
I will start a new project.
Loanword from English, used in casual or sports contexts. Often implies the start of a race, event, or machine.
The race started.
Expressing that an event or state begins spontaneously, without a clear agent.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to begin' or 'to start'. Used when something starts by itself, like an event, season, or class.
Indicates that a change or action begins and continues toward the present. Often used for gradual or natural starts.
I'm starting to understand.
Means 'to be about to start' or 'to start but not finish'. Implies an action is in its initial stage or interrupted.
I started to say something but stopped.
Indicating the beginning of a period, location, or sequence.
Noun meaning 'beginning' or 'start'. Often used in phrases like 始めに (at the beginning) or 始めから (from the start).
First, I will introduce myself.
Start over from the beginning.
Means 'first' or 'initial'. Used to refer to the very first thing in a sequence.
Noun meaning 'start', often used in sports or business contexts (e.g., starting line, starting point).
Turning on or activating something.
General verb for turning on electrical devices (lights, TV, etc.). Not used for engines.
Turn on the TV.
Specifically means 'to start an engine'. かける is used for engines, motors, etc.
Start the car engine.
Technical term for starting up a computer, system, or machinery.
Start up the computer.
始める (transitive) is used when someone starts something intentionally. 始まる (intransitive) is used when something starts on its own. Compare: 先生が授業を始めた (The teacher started the class) vs. 授業が始まった (The class started).
While スタート is understood, it sounds casual and is not appropriate for formal situations. Use 始める/始まる for most contexts.
It's starting to rain.
The first step is easy.
スタート地点に立つ。
Stand at the starting point.