着 手(ちゃくしゅ)

ちゃくしゅ

noun

starting; embarking on; commencing

formalbusinessaction work

1. starting; embarking on; commencing work

The act of beginning work on a task, project, or undertaking. A somewhat formal word often used in business and official contexts.

工事(こうじ)に着手(ちゃくしゅ)した。

Construction has commenced.

新(あたら)しいプロジェクトへの着手(ちゃくしゅ)が決(き)まった。

It was decided to embark on a new project.

準備(じゅんび)が整(ととの)い次第(しだい)、本格的(ほんかくてき)な調査(ちょうさ)に着手(ちゃくしゅ)する予定(よてい)だ。

We plan to begin a full-scale investigation as soon as preparations are in order.

Common patterns

Used with する: 着手(ちゃくしゅ)する (to commence, to start work on). Takes the particle に to mark what is being started: 〜に着手(ちゃくしゅ)する.

Usage

着手(ちゃくしゅ) is more formal than 始(はじ)める and is typically used for significant projects, construction, investigations, or official undertakings. Not used for casual everyday actions.

Common collocations

工事(こうじ)に着手(ちゃくしゅ)する (to begin construction)
調査(ちょうさ)に着手(ちゃくしゅ)する (to commence an investigation)
開発(かいはつ)に着手(ちゃくしゅ)する (to start development)
着手(ちゃくしゅ)金(きん) (down payment, initial payment)

Related Words

Synonym: 取(と)り掛(か)かる (to start (less formal))

Antonym: 完了(かんりょう) (completion)

Compare: 手(て)をつける (to start on)

Compare: 開始(かいし)する (to start)

general

Added 2026.3.11 9:57 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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