출발하다 vs 시작하다

Korean word comparison

How they differ

시작하다 is a broader verb for beginning an action, event, or process. It can overlap with 출발하다 in the sense of “starting,” but it is not about physical departure and is usually used for activities, work, or events rather than travel.

When to use each

When to use 출발하다: Use 출발하다 when someone or something physically leaves a place.

When to use 시작하다: Use 시작하다 when the point is the beginning of an activity, period, or process, not movement from a place.

Side-by-side examples

1. 버스가 정류장에서 출발하다.
   (The bus departs from the stop.)
2. 회의가 3시에 시작하다.
   (The meeting starts at 3 o'clock.)

• See the full Word of the Day entry for 출발하다
• See the Word of the Day entry for 시작하다
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More 출발하다 comparisons

• 출발하다 vs 떠나다
• 출발하다 vs 가다