Translation guide
The English verb 'initiate' means to begin or start something, often formally or officially. It can also mean to introduce someone into a group or activity. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express these ideas.
Preparations to initiate the project are complete.
A general verb for 'to start/begin'. Less formal than 開始する, but still usable in many contexts. Often used for personal actions or less official starts.
新しい事業を始めることにした。
We decided to initiate a new business.
Means 'to start work on' or 'to embark on'. Often used in business or project contexts when initiating a concrete task.
新製品の開発に着手した。
We initiated development of the new product.
Literally 'to launch' or 'start up'. Commonly used for initiating projects, companies, or systems. Slightly informal but widely used in business.
新規プロジェクトを立ち上げる。
Initiate a new project.
To formally admit or accept someone into an organization, club, or secret knowledge.
Causative form of 入会する (to join). Means 'to make someone join' or 'to admit someone into membership'. Used for clubs, societies, etc.
彼を秘密結社に入会させた。
They initiated him into the secret society.
Means 'to initiate (into secrets/arts)' or 'to teach the mysteries of'. Used for passing on esoteric knowledge or skills.
師匠が弟子に秘伝を伝授する。
The master initiates the disciple into the secret techniques.
Literally 'to give the first lessons in'. Used for initiating someone into a skill or field, often in a mentoring context.
彼に茶道の手ほどきをした。
I initiated him into the tea ceremony.
To trigger or set off a chain of events, especially in technical or scientific contexts.
Means 'to cause' or 'to trigger'. Used for initiating events, reactions, or problems.
その事件が戦争を引き起こした。
The incident initiated the war.
Means 'to induce' or 'to trigger'. Often used in medical or technical contexts for initiating a response.
この薬はアレルギー反応を誘発する可能性がある。
This drug may initiate an allergic reaction.
Causative of 開始する. Emphasizes making something start, often used in technical descriptions.
ボタンを押すとプロセスが開始される。
Pressing the button initiates the process.
開始する is more formal and often used for scheduled or official events. 始める is more general and can be used for personal actions. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 開始する sounds more deliberate.
会議を開始する / 会議を始める
Both mean 'to start a meeting', but 開始する is more formal.
The katakana word イニシエート is rarely used and would sound unnatural. Stick to the Japanese verbs above.