Meaning and Usage
The verb 言い出す (いいだす) means "to start talking" or "to bring up a topic," often implying the beginning of a conversation or suggestion that might be unexpected or significant. It is commonly used when someone initiates a subject or expresses an opinion that was not previously mentioned.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 言い出す in situations where someone suddenly starts talking about something important or sensitive, such as marriage, plans, or opinions. It can also be used when someone suggests an idea or proposal.
Collocations and Patterns
- 言い出す + 話 (はなし): to start talking about a topic
- 意見を言い出す: to start expressing an opinion
- アイデアを言い出す: to suggest an idea
These collocations highlight how 言い出す is used to indicate the initiation of speech or suggestion.
Register and Nuance
言い出す is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but it often carries a nuance of hesitation or the significance of starting to speak about something. It can imply that the speaker is taking the first step to bring up a matter that might be sensitive or important.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 言い出す with simply 言う (to say). Remember that 言い出す emphasizes the start or initiation of speaking about a topic, not just the act of saying something.