Translation guide
Ways to express the idea of a starting point in Japanese, including physical locations, temporal beginnings, and abstract origins.
Indicating the place where movement or an action begins.
The particle から marks the starting point of a physical movement or action. It attaches directly to a noun.
I'll walk from the station.
ここから始めましょう。
Let's start from here.
Used for departing from a place, often in travel contexts. を marks the point of departure.
I depart from Tokyo.
Indicating when something begins.
から also marks the starting point in time. It can be used with specific times, dates, or events.
The meeting is from 3 o'clock.
Summer vacation starts from tomorrow.
Means 'from N onward' or 'after N'. More formal than から, often used in written announcements.
It will be implemented from next month onward.
Indicating the origin of an idea, information, or abstract entity.
から can mark the source of information, inspiration, or abstract things.
I heard this story from a friend.
Learn from experience.
Means 'originates from' or 'is derived from'. Used in formal or academic contexts.
This word originates from Latin.
Referring to the first step or initial stage.
Literally 'departure point', used metaphorically for the starting point of a project, discussion, or journey.
Let's confirm the starting point of the discussion.
Means 'origin' or 'starting point', often used when returning to basics or the original purpose.
A loanword from English, commonly used in sports, games, or casual contexts.
Stand at the starting point.
Indicating the lower bound or beginning of a range (e.g., prices, ages).
Used with まで to express 'from N to M'. から marks the starting point of the range.
Prices start from 1000 yen.
It can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults.
Both can mean 'from', but から is the default for starting points. より is more formal/literary and often used in comparisons ('than') or written notices.
The meeting will begin from 3 o'clock. (formal)
The English 'starting point' can sometimes be translated as 始まり (beginning) or 最初 (first), but these emphasize the act of starting rather than the point itself. Use 出発点 or から for the point of origin.
原点に戻って考える。
Think back to the starting point.