Translation and Meaning of: 出発 - shuppatsu

The Japanese word 出発[しゅっぱつ] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It carries a simple meaning, but is very present in everyday life, especially in contexts of travel and moving. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in daily life, as well as curiosities that can aid in memorization. If you have used Suki Nihongo to study Japanese, you know how a good dictionary makes a difference in learning.

Meaning and usage of 出発

出発 means "departure" and is often used in situations involving the start of a journey, whether literal or figurative. In Japan, it is common to see it at train stations, airports, and even in more abstract contexts, such as the beginning of a new project. Its reading, しゅっぱつ (shuppatsu), consists of kanjis that reinforce this meaning: 出 (to exit) and 発 (to depart, to emit).

An interesting feature is that 出発 is not limited to just physical journeys. It can also be used to describe the beginning of a career, a phase of life, or even an important decision. For example, saying "新しい人生の出発" (shinsei no shuppatsu) means "the departure for a new life," demonstrating how versatile the term is.

Origin and components of kanjis

The kanjis that form 出発 have ancient origins and very clear meanings. The first, 出, represents the idea of "to leave" or "to emerge," while 発 is associated with "to start" or "to launch." Together, they create a word that conveys the action of leaving a place to begin something new. This combination is not random – it reflects the way Japanese constructs terms from concrete ideas.

It is worth noting that 発 also appears in other words related to beginning or emission, such as 発見 (hakken – discovery) and 発売 (hassai – release). Understanding these radicals can be a great way to memorize vocabulary, as they repeat in various terms.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember 出発 is to associate it with everyday situations. If you have ever taken a train in Japan, you probably heard announcements like "まもなく出発します" (mamonaku shuppatsu shimasu – "we will depart soon"). This kind of natural exposure helps to cement the term in memory. Another tip is to create flashcards with images of stations or airports, as the visual context reinforces learning.

Interestingly, 出発 is a word that frequently appears in animes and dramas, especially in emotional scenes of farewells or new beginnings. If you consume Japanese content, paying attention to these moments can be a fun way to absorb vocabulary. Additionally, it is less formal than alternatives like 発車 (hassha – vehicle departure), making it more versatile in everyday conversations.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 出発 (shuppatsu) - Departure, leaving a place
• スタート (sutāto) - Start, especially in competition contexts
• 始動 (shidō) - Start of a movement or operation
• 踏み出す (fumidasu) - Take the first step in a new direction
• 発車 (hassha) - Departure of a vehicle, such as a train or bus
• 開始 (kaishi) - Beginning of an activity, event, or process
• 始発 (shihatsu) - First departure of a means of transportation, usually by train
• 起動 (kidō) - Activation or initialization of a device
• 着手 (chakushu) - Beginning of a job or task, development
• 開幕 (kaimaku) - Opening of an event, especially cultural or sporting

出発

Romaji: shuppatsu
Kana: しゅっぱつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Match

Meaning in English: departure

Definition: The beginning of a journey or action.

Example Sentences - (出発) shuppatsu

See below some example sentences:

出発の準備をしましょう。

Shuppatsu no junbi o shimashou

Let's prepare for the match.

Get ready for the match.

• 出発 - means "departure" or "exit"
• の - Particle of possession or connection
• 準備 - means "preparation" or "preparations"
• を - direct object particle
• しましょう - polite form of the verb "to do" in the imperative, indicating a suggestion or invitation to do something together

彼は使命を遣るために出発した。

Kare wa shimei o yaru tame ni shuppatsu shita

He left to fulfill his mission.

He went out to take on a mission.

• 彼 (kare) - He
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 使命 (shimei) - mission
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 遣る (yaru) - accomplish
• ために (tameni) - For
• 出発 (shuppatsu) - Match
• した (shita) - past tense of the verb "to do"