Translation guide
How to express the idea of beginning to run in Japanese, covering both literal and figurative uses.
To start moving quickly on foot, as in jogging, sprinting, or fleeing.
The most direct and common way to say 'start running'. Uses the compound verb 走る (run) + 始める (begin).
彼は突然走り始めた。
He suddenly started running.
I start running at 6 every morning.
Emphasizes the sudden onset of running, often used for spontaneous or impulsive actions.
犬を見て走り出した。
He started running when he saw the dog.
Implies dashing or sprinting out, often with a sense of urgency or excitement. More literary or dramatic.
子供たちは校庭に駆け出した。
The children dashed out into the schoolyard.
To cause a machine, engine, or motor to begin running.
General term for starting to operate something. 動かす means 'to move/operate'.
エンジンを動かし始めた。
He started running the engine.
Specifically for starting to drive or operate a vehicle/machine. 運転 means 'operation/driving'.
彼はトラックの運転を始めた。
He started running the truck.
Technical term for starting up machinery or systems. Often used in manuals or formal contexts.
システムを始動してください。
Please start running the system.
For water, tears, or other liquids to begin flowing.
Standard way to say a liquid starts flowing. 流れる means 'to flow'.
涙が流れ始めた。
Tears started running down her face.
水道の水が流れ始めた。
The tap water started running.
Used when something starts coming out, like water from a tap or tears from eyes. 出る means 'to come out'.
To begin managing, conducting, or operating something like a business, event, or software.
For starting to run a business, organization, or event. 運営 means 'management/operation'.
彼は新しい会社の運営を始めた。
He started running a new company.
Specifically for starting to run a business. 経営 means 'business management'.
レストランの経営を始めた。
I started running a restaurant.
For starting to run a program or process. 実行 means 'execution'.
プログラムを実行し始めた。
He started running the program.
English 'run' has many meanings. Do not use 走る for machines, liquids, or management. Choose the appropriate Japanese verb (動かす, 流れる, 運営する, etc.) and combine with 始める or 出す.
エンジンを走り始めた ❌
started running the engine (incorrect)
エンジンを動かし始めた ✅
started running the engine (correct)
やっと水が出始めた。
The water finally started running.