Meaning and Usage
"着手" (ちゃくしゅ) is a formal noun and verb (when combined with する) meaning "to start" or "to embark on" a task, project, or work. It is often used in business, academic, or official contexts to indicate the commencement of an important activity.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "着手する" used when talking about starting projects, investigations, or problem-solving efforts. It implies a deliberate and planned beginning rather than a casual or spontaneous action.
Collocations and Patterns
- 着手する: to start or embark on something (work, project, investigation)
- 〜に着手する: to start on something specific (e.g., 問題に着手する)
- 着手前に: before starting
Register and Nuance
"着手" is formal and often used in written or formal spoken Japanese. It is less common in casual conversation, where verbs like 始める or 開始する might be preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "着手" with simply "start" verbs like 始める. Remember that "着手する" carries a nuance of officially or formally beginning a task, often with preparation or planning involved.