始める vs 着手する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 始める
Listen to 着手する
| 始める | 着手する |
|---|---|
ha-JI-me-ru verb (transitive) | ちゃくしゅする verb (transitive) |
| to begin; to start (something) — to cause an action or event to start | to undertake; to set about (a task or project) |
How they differ
着手する implies taking up a planned task or project and often follows preparation or planning; it carries a nuance of formally beginning work on something. 始める is broader and can start anything (an action, habit, event) without that sense of prior planning or formal undertaking.
When to use each
When to use 始める: Use 始める for everyday starts or when simply indicating that something begins (e.g., 'start work, start studying').
When to use 着手する: Use 着手する when referring to beginning a planned project, investigation, or formal work, especially in business, legal, or bureaucratic contexts.
Side-by-side examples
- 新しいプロジェクトを始めます。
(We'll start a new project.) - 新しいプロジェクトに着手します。
(We will commence work on the new project.)
Register & nuance: 着手する is formal and common in business, legal, or bureaucratic language; it's less likely in casual conversation than 始める.