Translation guide
The English verb 'depart' generally means to leave a place, especially at the start of a journey. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on the context: whether you are talking about a person leaving, a vehicle departing, or a more formal or literary departure. The most common and versatile word is 出発する (shuppatsu suru), but other verbs like 出る (deru) and 立つ (tatsu) are also frequently used.
To express that someone leaves a place to begin a trip or journey.
The most standard and neutral verb for 'depart' when starting a trip. It can be used for people, vehicles, and scheduled departures.
私たちは明日早朝に出発します。
We will depart early tomorrow morning.
The train departed on time.
Often used for departing on a journey, especially in more literary or formal contexts. It can also mean 'to leave' a place.
彼は旅立った。
He departed on a journey.
一行は東京を立った。
The party departed from Tokyo.
A very common verb meaning 'to leave' or 'to go out'. It is less formal than 出発する and is used in everyday speech for departing from a place.
家を出るのは何時ですか。
What time do you depart from home?
飛行機はもう出ましたか。
Has the plane departed yet?
A variant of 立つ, often used specifically for departing on a journey. It is somewhat literary.
彼は明日アメリカへ発つ。
He departs for America tomorrow.
To say that a scheduled vehicle leaves a station, airport, etc.
Standard for scheduled departures of trains, buses, planes, etc.
新幹線は10時に出発します。
The Shinkansen departs at 10 o'clock.
Specifically used for trains and buses departing from a station. Common in announcements.
まもなく発車します。
The train will depart shortly.
Casual and common for vehicles leaving. Used in everyday conversation.
バスはもう出た？
Has the bus already departed?
To express departure in a formal, written, or poetic style.
A formal term for departing on a journey, often used in literature or official contexts.
彼は旅に出立した。
He set out on a journey.
Literary or poetic word for embarking on a journey. Often implies a significant or emotional departure.
彼女は新たな人生へ旅立った。
She departed for a new life.
To express that someone or something moves away from a usual path, rule, or subject.
Means 'to deviate' or 'to depart from' a norm, rule, or topic. Used in formal contexts.
彼の意見は常識から逸脱している。
His opinion departs from common sense.
Common verb meaning 'to be off' or 'to deviate'. Can be used for departing from a topic or expectation.
話が本題から外れた。
The conversation departed from the main topic.
出発する is more formal and often used for scheduled departures or when emphasizing the start of a journey. 出る is more casual and general, meaning simply 'to leave' or 'to go out'. In everyday speech, 出る is very common for departing from home or a place.
明日の朝、出発します。
I will depart tomorrow morning. (formal/planned)
もう出るね。
I'm leaving now. (casual)
The English word 'depart' sounds similar to the Japanese word デパート (depāto), which means 'department store'. Be careful not to confuse them.
デパートに行く。
I'm going to the department store.