出動

しゅつどう

mobilization, action

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 出動 (しゅつどう) primarily means "mobilization" or "dispatch" of personnel or vehicles to a specific location or for a specific purpose. It is often used in contexts involving emergency services like police, fire departments, or military units.

Common Contexts

  • Emergency response: Fire trucks, police cars, or ambulances 出動 to the scene.
  • Military or defense: Troops or units 出動 for operations.
  • Organizational mobilization: Teams or groups dispatched for projects or events.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 出動する: to mobilize or dispatch.
  • 出動要請 (しゅつどうようせい): request for mobilization.
  • 出動命令 (しゅつどうめいれい): order to mobilize.

Register and Nuance

This term is formal and often used in official or news contexts. It implies readiness and prompt action. It is not used casually for everyday outings.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 出動 with 出発 (しゅっぱつ), which means "departure". 出動 emphasizes the act of mobilizing for a mission or task, often with urgency, whereas 出発 is simply leaving or starting a journey.

Example Sentences

しょうぼうしゃがかじのげんばにしゅつどうした。

The fire truck mobilized to the fire scene.

けいさつはきんきゅうじたいにすぐにしゅつどうするひつようがある。

The police need to mobilize immediately in an emergency.

あたらしいプロジェクトのためにチームがしゅつどうした。

The team was mobilized for the new project.