開始

かいし

start, commencement, beginning

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"開始" (かいし) means "start" or "commencement" and is commonly used in formal or official contexts such as meetings, events, or projects. It often appears in compound verbs like "開始する" (to start) and is a noun that can be used with the passive form as well.

Common Collocations

  • 開始する: to start or commence an action or event.
  • 開始時間: start time, often used for schedules.
  • 開始日: start date, used for projects or contracts.

Usage Notes

"開始" is more formal than casual verbs like "始まる" or "始める." It is frequently used in business, academic, or official announcements. Learners should avoid confusing "開始" with "始める," which is more about the act of beginning something personally or actively.

Typical Contexts

You will see "開始" in contexts like meeting schedules, project launches, or official ceremonies. It implies a planned or scheduled start rather than a spontaneous one.

Example Sentences

かいぎはごぜんくじにかいしされます。

The meeting will start at 9 a.m.

あたらしいプロジェクトのかいしをいわいます。

We celebrate the start of the new project.

しけんのかいしじかんをかくにんしてください。

Please check the start time of the exam.