1.
starting up, activation
Starting a machine, engine, or system. The initial activation or powering on of equipment.
エンジンを始動する。
To start up the engine.
寒い朝は車の始動に時間がかかる。
On cold mornings, it takes time to start the car.
コンピューターの始動時にエラーが出た。
An error appeared when the computer started up.
2.
launch, commencement
The start of a project, plan, or initiative. Used figuratively to describe the beginning of an undertaking.
新しいプロジェクトが始動した。
A new project has launched.
来月から復興計画が本格的に始動する。
Starting next month, the reconstruction plan will launch in earnest.
政府の新しい経済対策がようやく始動した。
The government's new economic measures have finally been set in motion.
USAGE:
Used both literally for machines and figuratively for projects or initiatives. The literal sense (starting an engine) is the original meaning; the figurative sense (launching a project) is common in business and news contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- エンジンを始動する: to start an engine
- 始動をかける: to initiate startup
- プロジェクトが始動する: a project launches
- 本格的に始動する: to launch in earnest
SIMILAR WORDS:
起動 is used specifically for electronic devices and software (booting a computer). 始動 is broader and applies to engines, machines, and figurative starts.