発足

ほっそく

starting, inauguration

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"発足" (ほっそく) refers to the starting or inauguration of an organization, committee, company, or similar group. It emphasizes the formal beginning or establishment of a structured entity.

Common Contexts

This word is often used in formal or business contexts when talking about the creation of new organizations, committees, or companies. It is less common in casual conversation.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 発足する: to start or inaugurate an organization
  • 発足当初: at the time of inauguration or founding
  • 発足から〇年: since the founding for a certain number of years

Register and Nuance

"発足" carries a formal tone and is typically used in written or official announcements. It implies a planned and official start rather than an informal or spontaneous one.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "発足" with "開始" (start, commencement) which is more general. "発足" specifically relates to the establishment of groups or organizations, not just any event or activity starting.

Example Sentences

あたらしいいいんかいがらいげつほっそくするよていです。

A new committee is scheduled to be inaugurated next month.

かいしゃのほっそくからじゅうねんで、うりあげがおおはばにのびた。

In the ten years since the company's founding, sales have grown significantly.

ほっそくとうしょはメンバーがすくなかったが、いまではおおくのひとがさんかしている。

At the time of its inauguration, there were few members, but now many people participate.