Japanese word

着手

Pronunciation

Romajichakushu

Meaning

  • nounsetting to work

Example

すぐに問題の解決に着手します。su gu ni mon dai no kai ketsu ni chaku shu shi ma su

We will set to work on solving the problem right away.

Illustration for 着手 (setting to work)

More examples

安全を確認してから、工事に着手します。an zen o kaku nin shi te ka ra kō ji ni chaku shu shi ma su

We will start construction after confirming safety.

Core concept

Describes beginning a task by actively turning one's attention and effort toward it.

Common phrases

  • 工事に着手するkō ji ni chaku shu su ru

    begin construction

  • 調査に着手するchō sa ni chaku shu su ru

    begin an investigation

  • 手続きに着手するte tsuzu ki ni chaku shu su ru

    start the procedure

Similar words

開始kaishi: The act of beginning an activity, event, or process.
取り掛かりtorikakari: The initial stage of working on a particular task.

Definition in Japanese

物事を始めるために、その作業に取りかかること。mono goto o haji me ru ta me ni so no sa gyō ni to ri ka ka ru ko to

Word origin

着手 (chakushu) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 着 (chaku, "to arrive or attach") and 手 (shu, "hand"), expressing the act of putting one's hand to a task.

Usage tips

  • In formal Japanese, 着手 (chakushu) often marks the official start of work on a project, while everyday speech more often uses 始める (hajimeru).

Other meanings

  • commencementnoun

Opposites

  • 未着手michakushunot startedna-adjective

Word lists with this word