Translation guide
The English phrase "get going" covers starting a journey, beginning an activity, and hurrying up. Japanese uses different expressions depending on the nuance.
To begin a journey or leave a place.
Standard verb for 'depart' or 'set off'. Suitable for travel and formal contexts.
そろそろ出発しよう。
Let's get going soon.
To begin doing something, often after a delay.
To urge someone to move faster or stop delaying.
Standard verb for 'hurry'. Can be used as a command.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'get going'. Always choose the expression based on whether you mean depart, start an activity, or hurry.
Simple 'go'. Very common in casual speech when the context is clear.
もう行かなくちゃ。
I've got to get going.
To go out, leave home/office. Emphasizes the act of stepping out.
そろそろ出かけよう。
Let's get going (out).
To leave a place. Often used when exiting a room or building.
もう出ないと。
I need to get going (leave).
General verb for 'start'. Use with a noun or verb stem.
仕事を始めよう。
Let's get going on the work.
To get started on a task, to set about doing something. Slightly more formal.
そろそろプロジェクトに取りかかろう。
Let's get going on the project.
Casual compound: 'start doing'. Often used in spoken Japanese.
宿題をやり始めなきゃ。
I've got to get going on my homework.
急ごう、遅れるよ。
Let's get going, we'll be late.
Adverb meaning 'quickly'. Often used alone as an urgent command.
早く！出発の時間だよ。
Get going! It's time to leave.
Casual, somewhat blunt way to say 'do it quickly' or 'get a move on'.
さっさとしなさい。
Get going (with it).