Translation and Meaning of: 振り出し - furidashi

The Japanese word 「振り出し」 (furidashi) is often used in the context of games and means "starting point" or "go back to the beginning." This term is frequently employed in board games, like the famous "Sugoroku," where players may be forced to return to the starting point if they land on certain spaces. The expression not only indicates a physical point but also represents the act of starting over after a setback, being applicable in various everyday and professional situations.

The etymology of 「振り出し」 is fascinating and well reflects its practical application. The word is composed of two elements: 「振り」 (furi), which derives from the verb 「振る」 (furu), meaning "to shake" or "to swing," and 「出し」 (dashi), derived from the verb 「出す」 (dasu), which means "to come out" or "to put out." This combination gives us the image of something being 'shaken out,' which is quite illustrative of the concept of restarting or going back to the starting point.

Historically, the use of 「振り出し」 dates back to the Edo period in Japan, a time when board games and games of chance began to become increasingly popular. Sugoroku was one of the games that became established during this time, and the idea of returning to "furidashi" became part of the strategy and drama of the games. The term has since transcended its use in games, being applied in broader contexts, such as in personal life and in discussions about progress and new beginnings.

Interestingly, 「振り出し」 is also used in Japanese idiomatic expressions, where it represents the concept of starting over or returning to the beginning after a failed attempt to achieve a goal. This nuance can be observed in areas such as business and personal life, where learning from mistakes and starting again is often an inevitable reality. The cyclical and persevering nature reflected in the word is a fundamental part of Japanese culture and philosophy of life, which values continuous learning and resilience.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 出発点 (shuppatsuten) - starting point
• 始まり (hajimari) - start
• 起点 (kiten) - Point of origin, starting point
• 起源 (kigen) - Origin, root of something
• 原点 (genten) - Starting point, reference point
• 初期 (shoki) - Initial period, first stages
• 初め (hajime) - Beginning, start (emphasis on an initial phase)
• 元 (gen) - Origin, the initial part of something
• 発端 (hotan) - Beginning, origin of an event or action
• 起始点 (kishiten) - Starting point

振り出し

Romaji: furidashi
Kana: ふりだし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: start; starting point; drawing or issue (draft)

Meaning in English: outset;starting point;drawing or issuing (draft)

Definition: A new beginning or point of de3TSeLparture.