出す

§ Understanding 出す (dasu)

The Japanese verb 出す (dasu) is quite versatile. It's an A2 level verb, meaning it's fundamental for daily conversation. Its core meaning revolves around moving something from an inside or hidden state to an outside or visible state. This can be literal, like taking something out of a bag, or more abstract, like submitting a report or putting out an effort.

Let's break down some of its common uses. Remember, context is key in Japanese!

§ Basic Usage: To Take Out / To Pull Out

One of the most straightforward uses of 出す is to physically take something out of a container, a bag, or even your pocket. It implies a deliberate action of extraction.

Translation hint

To take money out of the wallet.

Translation hint

I took my phone out of my pocket.

§ Submitting or Handing In

Another common use of 出す is when you submit something, like a report, homework, or an application. It has the nuance of presenting something for review or processing.

Translation hint

To submit the report to the teacher.

Translation hint

Please submit the documents at the counter.

§ Putting Something Out / Sending Out

This usage covers a range of actions, from putting out trash to sending out invitations. It means to make something available or dispatch it.

Translation hint

To put out the trash.

Translation hint

To mail a letter / To send out a letter.

§ Expressing Feelings or Sounds

出す can also be used for less tangible things, like expressing feelings, opinions, or making sounds. Here, it signifies bringing something internal to the outside.

• 声を出す (koe o dasu): To make a sound, to speak up.
• 意見を出す (iken o dasu): To offer an opinion, to give a suggestion.
• 勇気を出す (yūki o dasu): To muster courage, to be brave.

Translation hint

Please speak in a louder voice.

Translation hint

She always comes up with interesting ideas.

§ Compound Verbs with 出す

出す is frequently used as a suffix to other verbs to form compound verbs, often indicating the start of an action or bringing something into existence. This is a very common and important grammatical pattern.

• 食べ出す (tabe-dasu): To start eating.
• 走り出す (hashiri-dasu): To start running.
• 泣き出す (naki-dasu): To burst into tears, to start crying.

Translation hint

The baby suddenly started crying.

Translation hint

He was hungry and immediately started eating.

§ Summary of Particles with 出す

Here's a quick overview of particles you'll often see with 出す:

• を (o): Marks the direct object – what is being taken out, submitted, or put out.
• から (kara): Indicates the origin or source – from where something is taken.
• に (ni): Indicates the destination or recipient – to whom or where something is submitted or sent.

Mastering 出す will significantly improve your Japanese. Pay attention to the context and the particles used, and you'll soon be using it naturally!

§ Don't confuse 出す (dasu) with other verbs

Many learners get confused between 出す (dasu) and similar-meaning verbs like 出かける (dekakeru - to go out), 出る (deru - to exit), and 送る (okuru - to send). While they share a common theme of 'out' or 'sending', their usage is distinct.

出かける (dekakeru) vs. 出す (dasu)

出かける (dekakeru) specifically means to 'go out' for an activity, like going out to eat or going out for a walk. It focuses on the act of leaving a place to do something. 出す (dasu), on the other hand, is about taking something out or putting something out.

出る (deru) vs. 出す (dasu)

出る (deru) is an intransitive verb meaning 'to exit' or 'to come out'. The subject itself is performing the action of exiting. 出す (dasu) is a transitive verb, meaning someone or something is taking *something else* out or putting *something else* out.

送る (okuru) vs. 出す (dasu)

送る (okuru) means 'to send', often for mail, faxes, or people. While 'to submit' for 出す (dasu) can involve sending, it's more about the act of physically putting something out for submission, like turning in homework. For actual postal sending, 送る is more common.

§ Incorrect particle usage

The particle used with 出す (dasu) depends on what you're trying to express. Using the wrong particle can change the meaning or make the sentence sound unnatural.

• を (o) for the direct object: When you are taking *something* out or putting *something* out.

  財布を出す。(To take out the wallet.)

• から (kara) for the origin/source: When specifying *from where* something is taken out.

  カバンから本を出す。(To take a book out of the bag.)

§ Forgetting the nuance of 'to produce' or 'to start'

出す (dasu) has several less literal meanings that can trip up learners. It can mean 'to produce' (like a sound or a result) or 'to start' (like starting to run or cry). Don't limit your understanding to just the physical 'taking out'.

To produce (a sound/voice)

When referring to making a sound or speaking.

To start/begin

Used in compound verbs to indicate the start of an action.