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A1 noun #2,590 most common 7 min read

出発

shuppatsu
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 出発 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 出発 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '出発' (shuppatsu) is taught as a basic travel word. Learners should focus on its meaning as 'departure' in the context of trains and buses. You will mostly use it in the form '出発します' (shuppatsu shimasu) to say 'I will leave' or 'It will leave.' It is essential for understanding timetables at stations. For example, '8時に出発します' means 'I leave at 8.' At this stage, don't worry about complex nuances; just treat it as the standard way to say you are starting your trip. It is often paired with 'から' (from) and 'に' (at/time).
At the A2 level, you begin to use '出発' as a noun more frequently. You might see it in phrases like '出発の時間' (departure time) or '出発ロビー' (departure lobby). You also start to understand the difference between '出発' and '出る'. While '出る' is just 'to go out,' '出発' implies a journey. You can now use it to describe group activities, like 'We will depart from the hotel at 9:00.' You should also be comfortable with the past tense '出発しました' (departed) to report your movements during a trip.
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At the B1 level, you should use '出発' in more formal and professional contexts. This includes business travel itineraries and formal announcements. You will encounter compound words like '出発点' (starting point) used both physically and metaphorically (e.g., 'the starting point of a discussion'). You should also recognize the honorific form 'ご出発' used by staff in the service industry. At this level, you start to distinguish '出発' from more specific terms like '発車' (for trains) and '離陸' (for planes), choosing the most appropriate word for the situation.
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At the B2 level, '出発' is used in abstract and metaphorical ways. You might read about a 'new departure in life' (人生の再出発) or the 'departure of a new political movement.' You should understand the nuance of '出発' as a definitive beginning that requires preparation. In writing, you can use it to structure narratives, marking the transition from the planning phase to the action phase. You are also expected to understand its usage in news reports regarding transportation delays or international missions.
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At the C1 level, you master the subtle literary and philosophical implications of '出発'. You might encounter it in essays discussing the 'starting point' of modern philosophy or the 'departure' from traditional values. You should be able to use it in sophisticated arguments to define the origin of a concept. Your vocabulary should also include related formal terms like '出立' (shuttatsu) and you should be able to explain the stylistic differences between them. You can use '出発' to describe complex systemic launches, such as the start of a new economic policy.
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At the C2 level, '出発' is a tool for precise and nuanced expression in high-level discourse. You understand its historical etymology and how its usage has evolved. You can appreciate its use in classical literature or high-end journalism where it might be used to symbolize the beginning of an era or a paradigm shift. You can use the word with perfect register control, whether in a poetic context or a highly technical logistics report. You are also aware of rare idiomatic uses and can distinguish between the physical, psychological, and temporal layers of 'departure' in any text.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

出発 in 30 Seconds

  • Core meaning: Departure or setting off on a journey.
  • Commonly used with transportation like trains and planes.
  • Can be used as a noun (出発) or a verb (出発する).
  • Also used metaphorically for a 'new start' in life.

The Japanese word 出発 (しゅっぱつ - shuppatsu) is a fundamental noun and suru-verb that primarily translates to "departure" or "setting off." At its core, it signifies the moment an entity—be it a person, a vehicle, or a group—leaves a specific point of origin to begin a journey toward a destination. Unlike the simple verb 'to go' (行く), 出発 emphasizes the act of leaving and the commencement of a planned movement. It is the definitive 'start' of a trip, often associated with schedules, timetables, and organized travel.

Physical Movement
The most common usage involves vehicles like trains, planes, and buses leaving a station or airport. It captures the transition from being stationary to being in motion.
Abstract Beginning
Beyond physical travel, it can represent the start of a new phase in life, such as starting a new job or a new project, often referred to as a 'new departure' (新たな出発).

明日、午前八時に出発します。

Translation: We will depart tomorrow at 8:00 AM.

In the context of CEFR A1, learners encounter this word early because it is essential for basic travel communication. Whether you are asking for the departure time of a Shinkansen or telling a friend when you will leave your house, 出発 is the go-to term. It consists of two kanji: 出 (to go out/exit) and 発 (to emit/start/depart). Together, they create a powerful image of 'exiting and launching.'

駅を出発する電車。

Translation: The train departing the station.

The word carries a sense of forward momentum. It is not just about leaving; it is about the intention behind the leaving. When a marathon starts, the runners 'shuppatsu' from the starting line. When a rocket launches, it is a 'shuppatsu' into space. This versatility makes it one of the most useful words in the Japanese lexicon for describing any form of initiation involving movement.

Scheduled Events
Used extensively in public transport. You will see it on electronic boards at every Japanese train station.
Group Coordination
Used when organizing friends or colleagues: "What time is the departure?" (出発は何時ですか？)

旅の出発点に立つ。

Translation: Standing at the starting point of a journey.

Using 出発 correctly involves understanding its role as both a noun and a suru-verb. For beginners, the most important pattern is [Time] + に + 出発します. This allows you to communicate your schedule clearly. As you progress, you will learn to use it with various particles to indicate origin, destination, and method.

Verb Form: 出発する
Used to describe the action of leaving. Example: 「もうすぐ出発します」(We will leave soon).
Noun Form: 出発
Used to describe the concept or the event. Example: 「出発の時間」(Departure time).

One nuance to master is the choice of particles. While から (from) is very common to indicate the starting point, を (object marker) can also be used with verbs of motion to indicate the place being left behind. For example, 「家を出発する」 (to leave the house). However, 「家から出発する」 is equally valid and slightly more focused on the house as the origin point of a longer journey.

成田空港を出発して、パリへ向かいます。

Translation: Departing from Narita Airport, heading for Paris.

In professional settings, 出発 is used in reports and scheduling. If a business trip is planned, the itinerary will always list the '出発地' (place of departure) and '出発時刻' (time of departure). In these contexts, the word is strictly functional and objective. In contrast, in literature or emotional speeches, it might be used to signify a 'fresh start' (再出発 - saishuppatsu), where the focus is on the psychological transition rather than physical movement.

彼は新しい人生の出発を祝った。

Translation: He celebrated the start of a new life.
Compound Words
出発点 (Starting point), 出発ロビー (Departure lobby), 出発進行 (All clear/Starting - often used by train conductors).

You will encounter 出発 in various everyday scenarios in Japan, ranging from the highly automated announcements of the Tokyo subway to the casual conversations of friends planning a weekend hike. Understanding these contexts helps in recognizing the word's social and functional weight.

Public Transportation
The most frequent place is at train stations and airports. Announcements like "まもなく、1番線から電車が出発します" (A train will soon depart from platform 1) are ubiquitous.
Travel Agencies
When booking a tour, the staff will ask about your "ご出発日" (preferred departure date), using the honorific 'go' to show respect.

「定刻通りの出発となります。」

Translation: "Departure will be on schedule." (Common airport announcement)

In Japanese media, particularly in shonen anime or adventure films, characters often shout 「出発だ！」 (Let's set off!) to signal the beginning of a quest. Here, the word carries a sense of excitement and resolve. It marks the boundary between the safety of home and the unknown of the journey ahead.

In school settings, during 'ensoku' (school trips), teachers will use a whistle and call out for departure. In sports, specifically racing, the 'start' is often synonymous with 出発 in a broader sense, though 'sutaato' (スタート) is also used. The nuance of 出発 in sports often implies the team leaving the school to go to the stadium.

バスの出発まであと五分です。

Translation: There are five minutes left until the bus departs.
Workplace
When a team leaves for a client meeting: 「そろそろ出発しましょうか？」 (Shall we head out soon?).

While 出発 is a relatively straightforward word, learners often trip over its specific nuances compared to other 'leaving' verbs. The most common error is over-relying on it for every situation where someone goes somewhere.

Mistake 1: Using it for simple exits
If you are just leaving a room to go to the bathroom, do not use 出発. Use '出る' (deru). 出発 implies a journey or a move toward a significant destination.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Start' (開始)
出発 is for movement. For starting a meeting or a movie, use '開始' (kaishi) or '始まる' (hajimaru). You cannot 'shuppatsu' a movie.

❌ 映画が出発します。
✅ 映画が始まります。

Note: Movies 'begin', they don't 'depart'.

Another subtle mistake involves the particle usage. Beginners often say 「東京に出発する」 to mean "Depart for Tokyo." While understandable, it is more natural to say 「東京へ出発する」 or 「東京に向けて出発する」. The particle 'に' can sometimes be ambiguous with verbs of motion, whereas 'へ' clearly indicates direction.

Finally, avoid using 出発 for the 'start' of a small, repetitive action. For example, you don't 'shuppatsu' your computer; you 'kidou' (起動 - boot) it. You don't 'shuppatsu' a conversation; you 'kiri-dasu' (切り出す - broach) it. Keep 出発 reserved for physical travel or major life transitions.

❌ 仕事を出発する。
✅ 仕事を始める。

Note: You 'start' work, you don't 'depart' it (unless you mean leaving the office).

Japanese has several words that overlap with 出発. Choosing the right one depends on the mode of transport, the level of formality, and the specific focus of the sentence.

離陸 (Ririku)
Specifically for airplanes taking off. While a plane 'shuppatsu' from the gate, it 'ririku' from the runway.
発車 (Hassha)
Specifically for wheeled vehicles like trains and buses. A conductor shouts 「発車します！」 when the doors close.
出立 (Shuttatsu / Shidachi)
A more literary or archaic version of departure. You might see this in historical novels or formal travelogues.

飛行機が離陸の準備をしています。

Translation: The plane is preparing for takeoff (ririku).

Then there is 出航 (Shukkou), which is used for ships and boats leaving a port. If you are on a cruise, the announcement will use 'shukkou' rather than 'shuppatsu'. For space travel, 発射 (Hassha) is used for the launch of a rocket, though the mission itself 'shuppatsu' from Earth.

In terms of 'starting' a journey, 旅立ち (Tabidachi) is a beautiful, more poetic word. While 出発 is functional, 旅立ち evokes the emotions of leaving home and the anticipation of adventure. It is often used in song titles and graduation speeches.

新しい世界への旅立ち。

Translation: Setting off into a new world (more poetic).

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

~に (Time of action)

~から (Starting point)

~へ (Direction)

~の前に (Before noun)

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Examples by Level

1

8時に出発します。

I will depart at 8 o'clock.

Time + に + 出発します

2

出発は何時ですか？

What time is the departure?

Noun + は + 何時ですか

3

バスが出発しました。

The bus has departed.

Subject + が + 出発しました (past tense)

4

ここから出発しましょう。

Let's depart from here.

Place + から + 出発しましょう (suggestion)

5

出発の準備をします。

I will prepare for departure.

出発 + の + 準備 (noun modification)

6

もう出発ですか？

Are you departing already?

Adverb + 出発 + ですか

7

駅を出発します。

I depart the station.

Place + を + 出発する

8

明日、出発です。

Tomorrow is the departure.

Time + 出発 + です

1

旅行の出発は明日です。

The departure for the trip is tomorrow.

Possessive modification

2

みんなで一緒に出発しましょう。

Let's all depart together.

Adverbial usage with 'issho ni'

3

出発の前に、コーヒーを飲みました。

Before departure, I drank coffee.

出発 + の前に (before ...)

4

出発ロビーはどこですか？

Where is the departure lobby?

Compound noun

5

予定より早く出発しました。

We departed earlier than planned.

Comparison with 'yori'

6

出発のベルが鳴りました。

The departure bell rang.

Subject + が + 鳴る

7

無事に出発できました。

We were able to depart safely.

Potential form 'dekita'

8

出発地を確認してください。

Please confirm the departure point.

Imperative 'kudasai'

1

ご出発は何番ゲートですか？

Which gate is your departure from?

Honorific 'go-'

2

定刻通りの出発を予定しています。

Departure is scheduled to be on time.

Formal 'yotei shite imasu'

3

彼は新たな出発のために町を離れた。

He left town for a new start.

Abstract usage

4

出発が遅れる場合は連絡してください。

Please contact us if the departure is delayed.

Conditional 'ba-ai'

5

ここが私たちの出発点です。

This is our starting point.

Metaphorical 'shuppatsuten'

6

出発の準備が整いました。

Preparations for departure are complete.

Formal 'totonoimashita'

7

大雨の影響で出発が見合わされた。

Departure was suspended due to heavy rain.

Passive voice 'miawasareta'

8

出発に際して、一言ご挨拶申し上げます。

On the occasion of departure, I would like to say a few words.

Formal 'ni saishite'

1

このプロジェクトは、成功への出発に過ぎない。

This project is merely the start toward success.

Metaphorical 'ni suginai'

2

再出発を期して、彼は修行に出た。

Aiming for a fresh start, he went for training.

Compound 'sai-shuppatsu'

3

出発時刻の変更を余儀なくされた。

We were forced to change the departure time.

Formal 'yogi naku sareta'

4

人類の月への出発は歴史的な出来事だった。

Humanity's departure for the moon was a historic event.

Historical context

5

感情を抜きにして、事実から出発しよう。

Let's set aside emotions and start from the facts.

Abstract starting point

6

彼は一念発起して、海外へ出発した。

He made a firm resolution and departed for overseas.

Idiomatic 'ichinen hokki'

7

出発の合図とともに、ランナーが飛び出した。

With the signal to start, the runners dashed out.

Simultaneous action 'totomo ni'

8

船は夜明けとともに出発の途についた。

The ship set off on its journey at dawn.

Literary 'to ni tsuita'

1

近代哲学の出発点としてのデカルトを考察する。

Consider Descartes as the starting point of modern philosophy.

Academic usage

2

伝統からの出発が、新たな芸術を生んだ。

A departure from tradition gave birth to new art.

Abstract 'departure from'

3

政府は新経済政策の出発を宣言した。

The government declared the launch of a new economic policy.

Political usage

4

彼の理論は、一つの仮説から出発している。

His theory starts from a single hypothesis.

Logical origin

5

死は、魂の新たな出発であると彼は説いた。

He preached that death is a new departure for the soul.

Philosophical usage

6

出発を阻む要因を一つずつ取り除く。

Remove the factors hindering the departure one by one.

Complex noun phrase

7

その事件は、社会改革の出発点となった。

That incident became the starting point for social reform.

Sociological context

8

未知への出発には、常に不安が伴う。

A departure into the unknown is always accompanied by anxiety.

Abstract noun modification

1

存在論的出発点における主体の位置づけ。

The positioning of the subject at the ontological starting point.

Highly academic

2

制度の形骸化からの出発を模索する。

Seeking a departure from the institutionalization of forms.

Sophisticated vocabulary

3

歴史の転換点における、民族の新たな出発。

A new departure for a people at a turning point in history.

Epic scale

4

言語の限界から出発する詩的表現の可能性。

The possibility of poetic expression starting from the limits of language.

Literary theory

5

既成概念からの出発こそが、創造の源泉である。

Departure from established concepts is the very source of creation.

Philosophical assertion

6

宇宙開闢の出発点に関する最新の知見。

The latest findings regarding the starting point of the creation of the universe.

Scientific/Cosmological

7

自己否定を出発点とする、真の自己の探求。

The quest for the true self, taking self-denial as its starting point.

Psychological/Spiritual

8

文明の出発点に立ち返り、現代を問い直す。

Returning to the starting point of civilization to re-examine the present.

Critical analysis

Synonyms

出立 門出 発車 離陸 旅立ち

Antonyms

到着 帰着

Common Collocations

出発の時間 (departure time)
出発の準備 (preparations for departure)
定刻に出発 (depart on time)
現地を出発 (depart from the site)
無事に出発 (depart safely)
出発を遅らせる (delay departure)
出発を見合わせる (suspend departure)
出発点に戻る (return to the starting point)
新たな出発 (a new start)
出発ロビー (departure lobby)

Common Phrases

出発進行！ (All clear! / Let's go!)
そろそろ出発しましょう。 (Let's head out soon.)
出発は何時ですか？ (What time is departure?)
お気をつけて出発してください。 (Please have a safe departure.)
出発のベルが鳴る。 (The departure bell rings.)
旅の出発。 (The start of a journey.)
人生の再出発。 (A fresh start in life.)
出発ゲートに向かう。 (Head to the departure gate.)
予定通り出発する。 (Depart as scheduled.)
出発を祝う。 (Celebrate the departure.)

Often Confused With

出発 vs 出る (deru)

General exit, whereas shuppatsu is for journeys.

出発 vs 開始 (kaishi)

Starting an event/process, not physical travel.

出発 vs 発車 (hassha)

Specifically for vehicles with wheels (trains/buses).

Idioms & Expressions

"出発点に立つ (To stand at the starting point/beginning)"
"新たな門出 (A new start/departure in life)"
"一念発起して出発する (To depart with a firm resolution)"
"再出発を切る (To make a fresh start)"
"出発の途につく (To set out on a journey)"
"足元を固めて出発する (To prepare thoroughly before starting)"
"勇躍出発する (To depart with high spirits)"
"白紙からの出発 (Starting from a blank slate)"
"不退転の決意で出発する (To depart with unwavering determination)"
"希望を胸に出発する (To depart with hope in one's heart)"

Easily Confused

出発 vs

出発 vs

出発 vs

出発 vs

出発 vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

Related

出発点 (starting point)
出発地 (place of departure)
再出発 (restart/new start)
ご出発 (honorific departure)
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How to Use It

focus

Focuses on the beginning of the journey.

metaphor

Commonly used for 'new beginnings'.

formality

More formal than 'iku' or 'deru'.

Common Mistakes
  • Using it for starting a movie.
  • Saying 'heya o shuppatsu suru' for leaving a room.
  • Confusing it with 'arrival'.
  • Forgetting the small 'tsu'.
  • Using 'ni' for the destination only.

Tips

Check the Board

Look for '出発' on airport screens to find your flight's status.

Suru-Verb

Remember to add 'suru' to make it an action: 'shuppatsu suru'.

Station Sounds

Listen for the melody before 'shuppatsu' announcements in Japan.

Group Lead

Say 'Shuppatsu!' to your friends when you're ready to start walking.

Kanji Meaning

Think of 'Out' + 'Emit' to remember the kanji for shuppatsu.

Journey Focus

Use it when the 'leaving' is the start of something bigger.

Customer Service

Expect to hear 'go-shuppatsu' from hotel staff.

Punctuality

In Japan, 'shuppatsu' means exactly at that second.

Compound Words

Learn 'shuppatsuten' (starting point) to expand your range.

Ship Port

Shup (Ship) + Patsu (Port) = Departure.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a SHIP (shup) leaving a PORT (patsu). Shup-patsu!

Word Origin

Combined, they mean 'to go out and launch' or 'to start an exit,' perfectly describing a departure.

Cultural Context

The start of a new school year or job is seen as a major 'shuppatsu'.

Train conductors perform a ritual called 'shisashinko' (pointing and calling) before 'shuppatsu'.

Departures in Japan are famous for being exactly on time.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"出発は何時ですか？ (What time is departure?)"

"どこから出発しますか？ (Where are you departing from?)"

"出発の準備はできましたか？ (Are you ready for departure?)"

"明日、何時に出発しましょうか？ (What time shall we depart tomorrow?)"

"無事に出発できましたか？ (Were you able to depart safely?)"

Journal Prompts

今日の出発について書いてください。 (Write about your departure today.)

新しい人生の出発についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about a new start in life?)

一番思い出に残っている出発は何ですか？ (What is your most memorable departure?)

出発の前に必ずすることは何ですか？ (What do you always do before departing?)

旅行の出発の時の気持ちを書いてください。 (Write about your feelings at the start of a trip.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that sounds unnatural. Use '出る' (deru) instead. 出発 implies a journey.

It is both. You can say '出発' (departure) or '出発する' (to depart).

出発 is general. 発車 is specifically for vehicles like trains and buses starting to move.

You say '出発時刻' (shuppatsu jikoku) or '出発の時間' (shuppatsu no jikan).

Yes, metaphorically. You can say 'プロジェクトの出発' (the start of the project).

You can use 'から' (from) or 'を' (the place you leave).

Yes, 'ご出発' (go-shuppatsu) is used to be polite to others.

The most common opposite is '到着' (touchaku), which means arrival.

Yes, though 'スタート' (sutaato) is also very common.

You can say '再出発' (sai-shuppatsu) or '新たな出発' (arata na shuppatsu).

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More Travel words

到着

A1

The act of reaching a specific destination after traveling. It can refer to people, vehicles, or physical items like mail and luggage arriving at a place.

出張

A1

A business trip or a trip taken for work purposes. It refers to traveling to a different location, such as another city or country, to perform professional duties on behalf of one's employer.

目的地

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目的地 refers to a specific place where someone is going or where a journey ends. It combines the words for 'purpose' and 'ground/place' to describe the physical target of movement or travel.

直行

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To go directly to a destination without making any intermediate stops or detours. It is frequently used in business contexts when an employee travels from home straight to a client site without stopping at their main office first.

片道

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A noun referring to a one-way trip or journey from one place to another without returning. It is most commonly used when purchasing transportation tickets or describing travel duration.

往復

A1

A round trip or travel back and forth between two locations. It refers to the act of going to a destination and returning to the starting point.

経路

A1

A route or path taken to get from one place to another. It can also describe the logical steps or channels through which information or things move.

経由

A1

Refers to the act of traveling 'via' or 'by way of' a specific location, or passing information/documents through an intermediary. It is used to describe a route that includes a stopover or a channel through which something is transmitted.

航海

A1

The act of traveling across the sea or ocean by ship or boat. It encompasses both the physical journey and the technical navigation of a vessel.

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