In 15 Seconds
- To launch a formal business or enterprise from scratch.
- Implies serious effort, planning, and long-term professional goals.
- Commonly used in professional networking and startup contexts.
Meaning
This phrase means to launch a new business or enterprise from the ground up. It implies the effort and action of getting a venture 'on its feet' and ready to operate.
Key Examples
3 of 6Sharing a dream with a close friend
いつか自分の事業を立ち上げたいんだ。
I want to start my own business someday.
A formal self-introduction at a networking event
新しくIT事業を立ち上げることになりました。
I have decided to launch a new IT business.
Texting a former colleague about a new project
やっと事業を立ち上げたよ！
I finally got the business off the ground!
Cultural Background
Starting a business is often seen as a 'life mission.' The term 'Jigyou' carries more weight than just 'making money'; it implies a contribution to society. In areas like Shibuya, the English loanword 'Startup' (スタートアップ) is often used alongside 'tachiageru' to sound modern and tech-focused. Older generations might prefer the term 'Shoubai' (trade/business) or 'Sogyo' (founding), but 'tachiageru' is the standard for the modern era. Large companies use 'tachiageru' for internal projects to give them a sense of importance and independence.
Use with 'NPO'
It's very common to use this with non-profits: 'NPO{法人|ほうじん}を{立|た}ち{上|あ}げる'.
Particle Check
Always use 'o' (を) because it is a transitive action you are doing to the business.
In 15 Seconds
- To launch a formal business or enterprise from scratch.
- Implies serious effort, planning, and long-term professional goals.
- Commonly used in professional networking and startup contexts.
What It Means
Imagine you are building a structure from scratch. You have the materials, the plan, and the will. 事業を立ち上げる is that specific moment when you make the business 'stand up.' It is more than just starting a task. It is about creating a formal entity or a serious project. You are moving from a mere idea to a functioning reality. It carries a sense of weight and professional ambition.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you are the one in charge. It is a proactive expression. You combine 事業 (business/enterprise) with the verb 立ち上げる (to stand up/launch). You can use it to talk about your future dreams. You can also use it in a business meeting to describe a new department. It sounds very intentional and determined. Just remember, it is a bit heavy for a simple hobby.
When To Use It
This phrase is perfect for networking events. Use it when explaining your career goals to a mentor. It is also great for LinkedIn profiles or professional bios. If you are talking to your parents about quitting your job, this phrase makes you sound serious. It shows you have a real plan, not just a whim. You will often hear it in the tech and startup world in Tokyo.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, casual activities. If you are selling old clothes on an app, don't use it. That would sound like you are opening a global fashion house! Avoid it for short-term projects that have no future. It is not for a weekend lemonade stand. Using it for minor things makes you sound a bit over-dramatic. Keep it for ventures with long-term goals.
Cultural Background
Japan was traditionally a land of lifetime employment at big companies. Starting your own business was seen as very risky and rare. However, the 'startup' culture has exploded in recent years. This phrase has become a symbol of the new Japanese dream. It reflects a shift from being a 'salaryman' to being a 'founder.' It captures the energy of a changing economic landscape.
Common Variations
You might hear 起業する (kigyou suru), which is the formal word for 'starting a business.' Another common one is 会社を作る (kaisha o tsukuru), which literally means 'to make a company.' 立ち上げる is the most active and modern-sounding of the bunch. It feels like you are physically lifting the business into existence. It is the favorite phrase of young entrepreneurs in Shibuya.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly appropriate for business plans and professional introductions, but perfectly fine for serious personal conversations too.
Use with 'NPO'
It's very common to use this with non-profits: 'NPO{法人|ほうじん}を{立|た}ち{上|あ}げる'.
Particle Check
Always use 'o' (を) because it is a transitive action you are doing to the business.
The 'Boot up' connection
Remembering that it also means 'to boot a computer' helps you realize it's about making a system functional.
Examples
6いつか自分の事業を立ち上げたいんだ。
I want to start my own business someday.
A very common way to express entrepreneurial ambition to friends.
新しくIT事業を立ち上げることになりました。
I have decided to launch a new IT business.
Using the 'koto ni narimashita' form adds a professional polish.
やっと事業を立ち上げたよ！
I finally got the business off the ground!
The exclamation mark and 'yo' particle make it celebratory.
猫専用のカフェ事業を立ち上げるのが僕の野望です。
My grand ambition is to launch a cat-only cafe business.
Using 'yabou' (ambition) with this phrase adds a funny, dramatic touch.
父が苦労して立ち上げた事業を、私が守ります。
I will protect the business that my father struggled to start.
Highlights the effort and history behind the 'standing up' process.
来期、新規事業を立ち上げる計画があります。
There is a plan to launch a new business venture next term.
In a corporate setting, 'shinki jigyou' (new business) is a standard term.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct particle and verb form.
{彼|かれ}は{新|あたら}しい{事業|じぎょう}（ ）{立|た}ち（ ）た。
The object marker is 'o' and the verb is 'tachiageru'.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for this phrase?
Which of these can you 'tachiageru'?
'Tachiageru' is for formal organizations or large projects.
Complete the business dialogue.
A: {来月|らいげつ}、ついに{新|あたら}しい{事業|じぎょう}を（ ）ね。 B: はい、{準備|じゅんび}は{万端|ばんたん}です。
'Tachiagemasu' is the natural professional choice here.
Match the phrase to the nuance.
Match '{事業|じぎょう}を{立|た}ち{上|あ}げる' with its nuance.
It implies building a structure or system.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{彼|かれ}は{新|あたら}しい{事業|じぎょう}（ ）{立|た}ち（ ）た。
The object marker is 'o' and the verb is 'tachiageru'.
Which of these can you 'tachiageru'?
'Tachiageru' is for formal organizations or large projects.
A: {来月|らいげつ}、ついに{新|あたら}しい{事業|じぎょう}を（ ）ね。 B: はい、{準備|じゅんび}は{万端|ばんたん}です。
'Tachiagemasu' is the natural professional choice here.
Match '{事業|じぎょう}を{立|た}ち{上|あ}げる' with its nuance.
It implies building a structure or system.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but it sounds very professional. If you want to sound like a serious entrepreneur, use it. If it's just a casual hobby, use 'hajimeru'.
'Kigyou suru' specifically means starting a legal company. 'Jigyou o tachiageru' can mean starting a company, but also a project or a new department.
Yes, it is very common in business emails when announcing new ventures.
No. For a family, we use 'katei o kizuku' (build a household).
Related Phrases
{起業|きぎょう}する
synonymTo start a company
{創業|そうぎょう}する
specialized formTo found a business
{店|みせ}を{開|あ}く
similarTo open a shop
{企画|きかく}を{立|た}てる
builds onTo make a plan
