起業をする
kigyo o suru
start a business
Literally: {"\u8d77\u696d":"enterprise founding","\u3092":"object particle","\u3059\u308b":"to do"}
In 15 Seconds
- Standard phrase for starting a business.
- Implies ambition and initiative.
- Used in casual and professional settings.
- Focuses on founding a new enterprise.
Meaning
This phrase, `起業をする` (kigyō o suru), is the standard and most direct way to say you're starting a business or a company. It carries a sense of ambition and taking initiative, like launching your own venture. Think of it as the official 'go-ahead' for becoming an entrepreneur.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about future plans
将来は自分でカフェを起業したいんだ!
In the future, I want to start my own cafe!
Job interview (explaining career goals)
将来は、これまでの経験を活かしてIT分野で起業をしたいと考えております。
In the future, I am considering starting a business in the IT field, leveraging my past experience.
Instagram caption for a new venture
ついに、長年の夢だったアクセサリーショップを起業しました!✨ #起業 #夢を叶える
Finally, I've started the accessories shop that was my long-time dream! ✨ #startup #achievelife
Cultural Background
The concept of entrepreneurship has a long history, but the phrase `起業をする` gained prominence with Japan's post-war economic growth and subsequent periods of innovation. It reflects a cultural value placed on self-reliance and contributing to society through new ventures. The phrase signifies the courage to break away from stable, traditional employment and forge one's own path, embodying a spirit of innovation and economic dynamism.
The 'Kigyō' Nuance
Remember, `起業` (kigyō) specifically refers to the *founding* of a business. It's about creating something new from the ground up, not just expanding an existing one. Think of it as the 'birth' of a company!
Don't Confuse with 企業!
A very common mistake is mixing up `起業` (kigyō - starting a business) with `企業` (kigyō - company/enterprise). You *start* a business (`起業する`), you don't *company* a business. This slip-up can sound quite funny or confusing to native speakers!
In 15 Seconds
- Standard phrase for starting a business.
- Implies ambition and initiative.
- Used in casual and professional settings.
- Focuses on founding a new enterprise.
What It Means
起業をする (kigyō o suru) literally means 'to do enterprise founding.' It’s the go-to phrase for launching your own business. This isn't just a casual idea; it implies a serious, planned effort. You're not just dabbling; you're setting up shop! It carries a weight of ambition and personal drive. It’s the moment you decide to be your own boss and build something from scratch. It’s the official start of your entrepreneurial journey. Think of it as planting a flag and saying, 'This is mine now!'
How To Use It
You use 起業をする when you're talking about the act of starting a business. It's versatile and can be used in various contexts, from casual chats to formal business discussions. You can say you *want* to start a business, you *are* starting a business, or someone *has* started a business. It’s the core verb for the entire process. It’s like saying 'to get married' – it’s the main event! Use it when you mean the actual establishment of a new company.
Real-Life Examples
- My friend wants to start a ramen shop. She's been researching recipes for months!
- The startup scene in Tokyo is booming. Many young people are choosing to start businesses.
- After years of working for others, he finally decided to start his own consulting firm.
- She quit her job to start a business selling handmade crafts online. It’s her dream!
- The government offers support for people looking to start businesses in rural areas.
When To Use It
Use 起業をする when you're talking about the fundamental act of creating a new enterprise. This includes the initial planning, the legal setup, and the official launch. It's appropriate when discussing career changes towards entrepreneurship. You'd use it if you're explaining your future goals to a potential investor. It’s also perfect for sharing exciting news with friends about your new venture. Think of it as the main headline for your business story.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 起業をする for very small, informal ventures that aren't really 'businesses.' For example, selling a few old books online isn't 起業. Also, avoid it if you're just joining an existing company as an employee, even a startup. It specifically refers to *founding* a new entity. It's not for expanding an existing business or franchising. That would be 事業を拡大する (jigyō o kakudai suru) or something similar. It’s not for hobbies that make a little money on the side, unless you're serious about turning it into a formal company.
Common Mistakes
A common slip-up is using a word that sounds similar but means something else. For instance, confusing 起業 (kigyō - starting a business) with 企業 (kigyō - company/enterprise itself). You don't 'found a company's founding'; you 'found a business.' Another mistake is using a less direct verb when 起業をする is the most natural fit. It’s like using a fancy fork for soup – it works, but it’s not ideal!
✗ 私は新しい企業をしました。
✓ 私は新しい起業をしました。
✗ I made a new company.
✓ I started a new business.
Similar Expressions
独立する(dokuritsu suru): To become independent, often used by freelancers or consultants starting their own practice. It’s less about founding a company and more about working for yourself.開業する(kaigyō suru): To open a business, especially common for professionals like doctors, lawyers, or shop owners. It has a slightly more 'opening the doors' feel.事業を始める(jigyō o hajimeru): To start a business or project. It's a bit broader than起業をするand can sometimes refer to a new venture within a larger company.
Common Variations
起業家(kigyōka): Entrepreneur. This is the noun for the person doing the起業をする.起業支援(kigyō shien): Startup support. This refers to help offered to new businesses, like funding or advice.起業精神(kigyō seishin): Entrepreneurial spirit. The mindset of someone who wants to start a business.起業するぞ!(kigyō suru zo!): I'm gonna start a business! (Enthusiastic exclamation).
Memory Trick
Imagine a Kite flying high ( 起 kī sounds like kite). This kite is carrying a Giant umbrella (業 gyō sounds like giant). The kite is Doing (する suru) this amazing feat. So, a kite carrying a giant umbrella, doing something amazing – that's your 起業をする! It’s a bold, ambitious image, just like starting a business. You're soaring high with your new venture!
Quick FAQ
- Q: Is
起業をするformal or informal?
A: It's generally neutral, fitting most situations from casual to professional. You might use slightly more formal phrasing in very high-stakes business meetings, but 起業をする is always safe.
- Q: Can I use it for a small online shop?
A: Yes, if you're serious about it as a business! If it's just a side hobby selling a few items, maybe not. But if you're registering it and aiming for growth, absolutely.
- Q: What's the difference between
起業and企業?
A: 起業 (kigyō) is the *act* of starting a business. 企業 (kigyō) is the business *itself* (company, enterprise). It's like 'the act of getting married' vs. 'the married couple'.
Usage Notes
The phrase `起業をする` is quite versatile, fitting into most conversational and professional contexts. Be mindful not to confuse it with `企業` (company). While generally neutral, using more polite verb endings like `-masu` or `-orimasu` is appropriate for formal situations. Avoid using it for very small, hobby-like ventures; `始める` is often better in those cases.
The 'Kigyō' Nuance
Remember, `起業` (kigyō) specifically refers to the *founding* of a business. It's about creating something new from the ground up, not just expanding an existing one. Think of it as the 'birth' of a company!
Don't Confuse with 企業!
A very common mistake is mixing up `起業` (kigyō - starting a business) with `企業` (kigyō - company/enterprise). You *start* a business (`起業する`), you don't *company* a business. This slip-up can sound quite funny or confusing to native speakers!
Future Intentions
When expressing your desire to start a business in the future, use forms like `起業したい` (kigyō shitai - want to start) or `起業するつもりだ` (kigyō suru tsumori da - intend to start). This shows ambition and planning!
The Spirit of 'Kaisha' vs. 'Kigyō'
Historically, Japan valued stability within large `会社` (kaisha - companies). `起業をする` represents a shift towards valuing individual initiative and innovation, embracing the riskier but potentially more rewarding path of entrepreneurship.
Examples
12将来は自分でカフェを起業したいんだ!
In the future, I want to start my own cafe!
Here, `起業したい` (kigyō shitai) expresses a desire or ambition to start a business.
将来は、これまでの経験を活かしてIT分野で起業をしたいと考えております。
In the future, I am considering starting a business in the IT field, leveraging my past experience.
A more formal and polite way to express the intention, using `考えております` (kangaete orimasu).
ついに、長年の夢だったアクセサリーショップを起業しました!✨ #起業 #夢を叶える
Finally, I've started the accessories shop that was my long-time dream! ✨ #startup #achievelife
Announcing the successful launch with excitement, using the past tense `起業しました` (kigyō shimashita).
最近、若い世代の間で新しい事業を起業する動きが活発です。
Recently, there's been active movement among the younger generation to start new businesses.
This sentence uses `事業を起業する` (jigyō o kigyō suru), a common and natural combination emphasizing the 'business' aspect.
彼は大学卒業後すぐに、自分でアプリ開発会社を起業したんだよ。
Right after graduating university, he started his own app development company.
Using the past tense `起業した` (kigyō shita) to state a fact about someone else's venture.
昔、一発当てようと思って変な商品を起業しようとしたんだけど、見事に失敗したよ(笑)
A while back, I tried to strike it rich by starting a business with a weird product, but I failed spectacularly (lol)
Using `起業しようとした` (kigyō shiyou to shita) to talk about an attempt, with a humorous tone.
このまま会社員でいることに疑問を感じ、ついに自分で起業することを決意しました。
I started questioning staying as an employee, and finally decided to start my own business.
Expressing a significant personal decision with emotional weight using `起業することを決意しました` (kigyō suru koto o ketsui shimashita).
✗ 彼は新しい企業をしました。
✗ He made a new company.
This mistake uses `企業` (kigyō - company) instead of `起業` (kigyō - starting a business). It sounds like he *created* a company, not *started* one.
✗ 彼女は自分の店を設立しました。
✗ She established her own shop.
While `設立しました` (setsuritsu shimashita - established) can be used for companies, `起業をする` is more natural for the *act* of becoming an entrepreneur. `設立` often refers to the formal registration.
来年、友人と一緒にデザイン事務所を起業する予定です。
Next year, I plan to start a design firm with a friend.
Using `起業する予定です` (kigyō suru yotei desu) to state a future plan.
起業したいけど、何から始めればいいか全く分からない…アドバイス求む!
I want to start a business, but I have no idea where to begin... seeking advice!
A common plea for help on forums, showing the desire `起業したい` (kigyō shitai).
政府は、若者の起業を促進するための新たな支援策を発表しました。
The government announced new support measures to promote entrepreneurship among young people.
Here, `起業` (kigyō) is used as a noun, referring to the concept of starting a business.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
You need the verb 'to start a business', which is `起業をする`. So, `起業し` is the correct conjunctive form.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence correctly expresses the idea of starting a business?
Option 3 correctly uses `起業する` (kigyō suru - to start a business) in the context of founding an IT company.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While `起業をする` means to start a business, for a small online store that might be more of a side project, `始める` (hajimeru - to start) is often more natural and less formal than the act of founding a whole enterprise.
Translate this sentence into Japanese.
The phrase `起業したい` (kigyō shitai) perfectly captures the desire to start a business.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
The context 'aiming for the future' and 'many young people' strongly suggests the act of starting a business (`起業`). `企業` means a company itself.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence best describes someone launching their own venture?
Option 3 clearly states that the friend founded a design company, using `起業しました` (kigyō shimashita) correctly.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The word `企業` (kigyō) means 'company' or 'enterprise'. An entrepreneur *starts* a service, they don't 'company' it. `始める` (hajimeru - to start) or `立ち上げる` (tachiageru - to launch/set up) would be correct here.
Put the words in the correct order to form a natural Japanese sentence.
The sentence means 'collecting funds in order to start a business.' The verb `集めている` (atsumete iru - collecting) comes first, followed by the object `資金を` (shikin o - funds), and then the purpose `起業するために` (kigyō suru tame ni - in order to start a business).
Translate this sentence into Japanese.
This sentence uses `起業をしたい人々` (kigyō o shitai hitobito - people who want to start businesses) to describe the target group for government support.
Match the Japanese phrase with its closest English meaning.
Understanding these nuances helps you choose the most precise phrase for your situation.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate for starting a new venture?
Option 2 is correct because `起業する` (kigyō suru) is used to describe the act of founding a company. Options 1 and 4 are grammatically awkward or incorrect. Option 3 is incorrect because a cafe itself doesn't 'start a business'; a person or group does.
Put the words in the correct order to form a natural Japanese sentence.
This sentence means 'My dream is to start a business.' It's a concise way to express a strong aspiration.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 起業をする
Chatting with close friends, using slang or abbreviations.
起業するぞ!(Kigyō suru zo!) - I'm gonna start a business!
Everyday conversations, social media posts, talking to acquaintances.
将来はカフェを起業したいな。(Shōrai wa kafe o kigyō shitai na.) - I want to start a cafe someday.
Business meetings, interviews, official documents, formal speeches.
弊社は来年、新事業を起業する予定です。(Heisha wa rainen, shin jigyō o kigyō suru yotei desu.) - Our company plans to launch a new venture next year.
Highly official pronouncements, academic papers (rarely used as the main verb).
新たな企業形態の設立を目指し、起業がなされた。(Aratana kigyō keitai no setsuritsu o mezashi, kigyō ga nasareta.) - Entrepreneurship was undertaken aiming for the establishment of a new corporate form.
Where You'll Hear 起業をする
Job Interview
将来は起業したいと考えています。
Networking Event
どんな事業を起業されたんですか?
Startup Pitch
私たちはこの技術で起業しました。
Casual Chat with Friends
脱サラして起業するつもりだよ!
University Lecture
起業のメリットとデメリットについて学びました。
News Report
若者の起業を支援する動きが広がっています。
起業をする vs. Similar Phrases
Scenarios for 起業をする
Personal Goals
- • Turning a hobby into a business
- • Achieving financial independence
- • Pursuing a lifelong dream
Professional Contexts
- • Seeking investment
- • Discussing career paths
- • Founding a tech startup
Social Impact
- • Creating jobs
- • Solving a societal problem
- • Innovating industry standards
Announcements
- • Launching a new company
- • Celebrating a milestone
- • Sharing business news
Practice Bank
12 exercises将来、自分のアイデアで新しい会社を ___ したいです。
You need the verb 'to start a business', which is `起業をする`. So, `起業し` is the correct conjunctive form.
Which sentence correctly expresses the idea of starting a business?
Option 3 correctly uses `起業する` (kigyō suru - to start a business) in the context of founding an IT company.
Find and fix the mistake:
彼女は自分のオンラインストアを起業しました。
While `起業をする` means to start a business, for a small online store that might be more of a side project, `始める` (hajimeru - to start) is often more natural and less formal than the act of founding a whole enterprise.
He wants to start his own restaurant.
Hints: Use the verb for 'to start a business'., The desire form is needed.
The phrase `起業したい` (kigyō shitai) perfectly captures the desire to start a business.
多くの若者が、将来のために ___ を目指しています。
The context 'aiming for the future' and 'many young people' strongly suggests the act of starting a business (`起業`). `企業` means a company itself.
Which sentence best describes someone launching their own venture?
Option 3 clearly states that the friend founded a design company, using `起業しました` (kigyō shimashita) correctly.
Find and fix the mistake:
その起業家は、新しいサービスを企業しました。
The word `企業` (kigyō) means 'company' or 'enterprise'. An entrepreneur *starts* a service, they don't 'company' it. `始める` (hajimeru - to start) or `立ち上げる` (tachiageru - to launch/set up) would be correct here.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The sentence means 'collecting funds in order to start a business.' The verb `集めている` (atsumete iru - collecting) comes first, followed by the object `資金を` (shikin o - funds), and then the purpose `起業するために` (kigyō suru tame ni - in order to start a business).
The government is providing support for those looking to start businesses.
Hints: Use 'support' (支援 - shien)., 'People who want to start businesses' can be phrased as '起業をしたい人々' (kigyō o shitai hitobito).
This sentence uses `起業をしたい人々` (kigyō o shitai hitobito - people who want to start businesses) to describe the target group for government support.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding these nuances helps you choose the most precise phrase for your situation.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate for starting a new venture?
Option 2 is correct because `起業する` (kigyō suru) is used to describe the act of founding a company. Options 1 and 4 are grammatically awkward or incorrect. Option 3 is incorrect because a cafe itself doesn't 'start a business'; a person or group does.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence means 'My dream is to start a business.' It's a concise way to express a strong aspiration.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questionsThe most basic meaning of 起業をする (kigyō o suru) is 'to start a business' or 'to found a company'. It refers to the act of establishing a new enterprise from scratch, implying a significant level of planning and commitment.
Generally, 起業をする implies a more formal and substantial undertaking than a small side project. While you *could* technically use it, phrases like 始める (hajimeru - to start) or やってみる (yatte miru - to try doing) are often more natural for casual ventures. 起業をする is best reserved for when you're serious about building a formal business.
Yes, the word 起業 (kigyō) itself functions as a noun meaning 'starting a business' or 'entrepreneurship'. You'll often see it used in phrases like 起業支援 (kigyō shien - startup support) or 起業家 (kigyōka - entrepreneur).
It's commonly used when discussing career aspirations, announcing the launch of a new company, explaining business ventures to others, or talking about economic trends related to new businesses. You'll hear it in job interviews, business pitches, and casual conversations about future plans.
No, 起業をする specifically means to *found* or *start* a business yourself. If you join an existing startup as an employee, you are not 起業ing. You might say you are 'joining a startup' or 'working for a startup'.
起業をする (kigyō o suru) emphasizes the founding of a new business entity, often with an innovative aspect. 開業する (kaigyō suru) is more about opening the doors to a business, especially common for professionals like doctors, lawyers, or shopkeepers, and implies setting up an existing type of practice or shop.
独立する (dokuritsu suru) means to become independent, often used by freelancers or consultants who start working for themselves. While it's a form of self-employment, it doesn't necessarily imply founding a new company structure like 起業をする does. It's more about breaking away from an employer.
Yes, besides 起業をする, you can use 事業を始める (jigyō o hajimeru - to start a business/project), which is broader, or 立ち上げる (tachiageru - to launch/set up), often used for specific projects or companies. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.
起業をする specifically implies founding a new, independent enterprise. 事業を始める (jigyō o hajimeru) is a more general term meaning 'to start a business or project'. It can sometimes refer to initiating a new venture within an existing company, making it broader than 起業をする.
起業をする is generally considered a neutral term. It can be used in both casual conversations with friends and in more formal business settings like interviews or presentations. Its formality can be adjusted slightly with the surrounding verb conjugations and sentence structure.
In a job interview, you would typically use a polite form. For example, you might say 起業したいと考えております (kigyō shitai to kangaete orimasu - I am considering starting a business) or 起業を検討しています (kigyō o kentō shite imasu - I am considering starting a business). This shows respect and professionalism.
The most common and embarrassing mistake is confusing 起業 (kigyō - starting a business) with 企業 (kigyō - company/enterprise). Saying something like 'I want to company' instead of 'I want to start a business' is a classic blunder that sounds quite nonsensical!
If you mistakenly use 企業 (kigyō - company) when you mean 起業 (kigyō - starting a business), your sentence will likely be grammatically incorrect or nonsensical. For example, saying 'I want to company' instead of 'I want to start a business' is a clear example of this error.
Yes, while 起業をする is straightforward, its usage can imply different levels of ambition. Sometimes, simply saying 起業 (as a noun) in a context like '起業の準備' (kigyō no junbi - preparation for starting a business) carries the full weight of the endeavor without needing the verb explicitly.
You can add particles like ぞ (zo) for a strong declaration, making it 起業するぞ! (kigyō suru zo! - I'm going to start a business!). You can also use phrases like ついに起業しました! (tsuini kigyō shimashita! - Finally, I started a business!) to convey excitement about the accomplishment.
The phrase reflects the growing value placed on individual initiative, innovation, and risk-taking in modern Japanese society. It represents a move towards valuing personal ambition and contribution through new ventures, contrasting with older ideals of lifetime employment in large corporations.
While the concept of entrepreneurship existed, the widespread use and modern connotation of 起業をする solidified during Japan's periods of rapid economic growth and technological advancement, particularly from the mid-20th century onwards, as innovation became a key driver.
Absolutely! 起業をする is perfectly suitable for social enterprises as well. The focus is on founding a new entity to address a need, whether that need is purely commercial or social. The phrase itself doesn't dictate the profit motive, only the act of starting the venture.
起業 (kigyō) is the general act of founding a business, often implying innovation or a new venture. 独立開業 (dokuritsu kaigyō) is a compound term often used for professionals (like doctors, lawyers, accountants) who become independent and open their own practice or firm. It emphasizes both independence and the act of opening for business.
While 'startup' itself is often transliterated as スタートアップ (sutātoappu), you can use 起業 (kigyō) to describe the act of starting one. For example, 'I want to start a startup' can be translated as スタートアップを起業したい (sutātoappu o kigyō shitai), although スタートアップを始める (sutātoappu o hajimeru) is also common.
Related Phrases
開業する
related topicTo open a business/practice
While `起業をする` focuses on founding a new enterprise, `開業する` specifically means opening the doors, often for professionals or shops.
独立する
related topicTo become independent
`起業をする` is about founding a business, whereas `独立する` is about working for oneself, often as a freelancer or consultant.
事業を始める
synonymTo start a business or project
This is a broader term that can encompass starting a new venture, sometimes even within an existing company, unlike the specific founding act of `起業をする`.
会社を設立する
related topicTo establish a company
`起業をする` is the act of founding, while `会社を設立する` focuses on the legal and administrative process of establishing the company entity.
起業家
related topicEntrepreneur
This is the noun form, referring to the person who performs the action of `起業をする` (starting a business).
起業精神
related topicEntrepreneurial spirit
This phrase describes the mindset and drive associated with individuals who undertake the act of `起業をする`.