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출발하다

B1 verb #1,200 most common 10 min read

출발하다

chulbalhada Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 출발하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 출발하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to '출발하다' as a fundamental vocabulary word for daily survival and basic communication in South Korea. The primary focus is on memorizing the word and its most basic conjugations: the present polite form '출발해요' (depart/departs) and the formal polite form '출발합니다'. Beginners learn to associate this word with public transportation, such as buses (버스), trains (기차), and airplanes (비행기). The grammar focus at this stage is combining '출발하다' with simple time expressions and the time particle '에'. For example, learners practice saying '몇 시에 출발해요?' (What time do you depart?) and answering with '아홉 시에 출발해요' (I depart at 9 o'clock). They also learn to use it with the location particle '에서' to indicate the starting point, as in '서울에서 출발해요' (I depart from Seoul). The goal is to enable learners to ask for and understand basic schedule information, which is crucial for navigating the country. Cultural context is also introduced, emphasizing the importance of punctuality in Korean transportation systems. By mastering these simple sentence structures, A1 learners gain the confidence to travel independently and coordinate basic meetups with friends or language exchange partners. The word is treated purely as a physical action of leaving a place.

At the A2 level, the usage of '출발하다' expands significantly as learners become more comfortable with Korean verb tenses and slightly more complex sentence structures. The focus shifts to discussing past events and future plans. Learners master the past tense '출발했어요' (departed) to confirm that they have left a location, which is a very common text message in Korea ('지금 출발했어요' - I just left). They also learn the future tense '출발할 거예요' (will depart) to discuss upcoming travel plans. Furthermore, A2 learners begin to combine '출발하다' with sequential grammar patterns. A key pattern is '-기 전에' (before doing). They learn to say '출발하기 전에 전화할게요' (I will call you before I depart). They also practice using the destination particle '로/으로' more confidently, constructing complete sentences like '내일 아침에 부산으로 출발할 거예요' (I will depart for Busan tomorrow morning). At this stage, learners are also introduced to the negative forms '출발 안 해요' or '출발하지 않아요' (do not depart). The vocabulary surrounding the word grows to include terms like '일찍' (early) and '늦게' (late), allowing for more descriptive conversations about travel habits and schedules. The emphasis remains on physical travel but with greater grammatical flexibility.

At the B1 level, '출발하다' is used with greater nuance and integrated into more complex, multi-clause sentences. Learners are expected to understand and use the word in various everyday situations without hesitation. They begin to use conjunctions to explain reasons for departure times, utilizing patterns like '-아/어서' (because/so) and '-(으)니까' (since). For instance, '차가 막힐 것 같아서 일찍 출발했어요' (I departed early because I thought traffic would be bad). They also learn to express intention and obligation using patterns like '출발해야 해요' (must depart) and '출발하려고 해요' (intend to depart). At this intermediate stage, the distinction between '출발하다' (to depart - objective, schedule-focused) and '떠나다' (to leave - emotional, leaving behind) is explicitly taught and practiced to avoid awkward phrasing. Learners also encounter '출발하다' in passive or causative contexts, though less frequently, such as '출발시키다' (to make something depart). The vocabulary expands to include transportation-specific terms like '정시' (on time), '연착' (delay), and '매진' (sold out), creating a robust lexical field around the concept of traveling. B1 learners can comfortably navigate travel booking websites and understand detailed public announcements at stations and airports.

At the B2 level, the application of '출발하다' broadens beyond physical travel into abstract and metaphorical contexts. While still heavily used for transportation, learners now understand how to use the word to describe the beginning of a new phase, project, or era. For example, '새로운 프로젝트가 내일 출발합니다' (The new project launches/departs tomorrow) or '제2의 인생을 출발하다' (To embark on a second life). This requires an understanding of how the word functions in professional and formal settings. Grammatically, B2 learners use '출발하다' with advanced patterns expressing hypothetical situations or regrets, such as '일찍 출발했더라면 늦지 않았을 텐데' (If I had departed early, I wouldn't have been late). They also use it in reported speech to relay information: '친구가 내일 출발한다고 했어요' (My friend said they are departing tomorrow). The focus is on fluency, accuracy, and the ability to adapt the word to different registers of speech, from casual conversations with friends to formal business emails detailing logistics. Learners at this stage are highly sensitive to the correct use of particles and can self-correct common mistakes. They also understand idiomatic expressions related to starting and departing.

At the C1 level, learners possess a near-native command of '출발하다' and its related vocabulary. They can effortlessly navigate complex logistical discussions and understand subtle nuances in tone and register. The word is used naturally in sophisticated grammatical structures, such as '-자마자' (as soon as) or '-는 길에' (on the way). For example, '집에서 출발하자마자 비가 오기 시작했다' (As soon as I departed from home, it started raining). C1 learners are fully capable of distinguishing '출발하다' from its synonyms like '나서다', '발차하다', and '이륙하다', choosing the most precise word for the specific context. They can engage in debates or detailed explanations about transportation policies, delays, or historical events using this vocabulary. Furthermore, they understand the etymological roots of the word (the Hanja 出發) and how this relates to other Sino-Korean words sharing the same characters. In literary or journalistic contexts, they can appreciate the metaphorical use of the word to signify societal shifts or political movements. The usage is automatic, and errors in particle usage or conjugation are virtually non-existent. They can also play with the language, using the word in creative or humorous ways.

At the C2 level, the mastery of '출발하다' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. The learner understands every possible shade of meaning, cultural connotation, and historical usage of the word. They can read complex literature, academic papers, or legal documents where the term might be used in highly specialized ways. At this level, the focus is not on learning the word itself, but on utilizing it flawlessly within the broader tapestry of the Korean language. They can manipulate the pacing and rhythm of their speech, using '출발하다' to build tension in a story or to deliver precise, authoritative instructions in a professional setting. They are acutely aware of the sociolinguistic aspects of the word, knowing exactly when a formal '출발하시겠습니다' is required versus a casual '출발하자'. They can also invent new metaphors or rhetorical devices based on the concept of departure. The word is fully integrated into their active vocabulary, allowing them to express the most complex and nuanced thoughts regarding beginnings, journeys, and transitions with absolute clarity and cultural appropriateness. They can also teach the nuances of the word to lower-level learners effectively.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

출발하다 in 30 Seconds

Means 'to depart' or 'to set off'.
Used heavily for trains, buses, and flights.
Takes '에서' for the starting location.
Takes '로/으로' for the destination.

The Korean verb 출발하다 (chul-bal-ha-da) is a fundamental vocabulary word that translates to 'to depart', 'to set off', 'to leave', or 'to start a journey'. It is composed of the Sino-Korean root 출발 (出發), where '出' means 'to go out' and '發' means 'to emit' or 'to start', combined with the native Korean verb 하다 (to do). This word is ubiquitous in daily Korean life, particularly because South Korea has a highly developed and punctual public transportation system. Whether you are taking a bus, a subway, a high-speed KTX train, or an airplane, you will constantly hear and use the word 출발하다. Understanding how to use this word correctly is essential for anyone traveling in Korea or communicating about schedules, plans, and movements. The word is typically used when a person, a vehicle, or a group is leaving a specific starting point to head toward a destination. It emphasizes the exact moment or action of beginning the journey, rather than the act of traveling itself. For example, if you are waiting for a friend to leave their house, you might ask them if they have departed yet using this verb.

우리는 아침 일찍 출발하다.

In this context, the emphasis is on the initiation of the trip. The word is not limited to physical travel; it can also be used metaphorically to describe the start of a new phase in life, a new project, or a new beginning, although this is slightly more advanced usage.

Physical Departure: Used when trains, buses, airplanes, or individuals physically leave a location to go to another place.

It is important to note that 출발하다 is an action verb, meaning it can be conjugated into all standard Korean verb forms, including past, present, future, progressive, and imperative forms.

기차가 곧 출발하다.

When you are coordinating plans with friends, you will often use the past tense 출발했어요 (I departed / I left) to confirm that you are on your way.

Metaphorical Start: Used to describe the beginning of a new career, a new chapter in life, or the initiation of a major project or event.

새로운 인생을 출발하다.

The flexibility of this word makes it a cornerstone of conversational Korean. You will also hear it in various compound forms and grammatical structures. For instance, adding the suffix -기 전에 (before doing) creates 출발하기 전에 (before departing), which is incredibly useful for planning.

Group Coordination: Used extensively in group chats and phone calls to synchronize arrival times by confirming when each person has started their journey.

지금 집에서 출발하다.

비행기가 정시에 출발하다.

Mastering 출발하다 will significantly improve your ability to navigate South Korea and manage your daily schedule in the Korean language. It is a word that bridges the gap between static planning and dynamic action, representing the very moment a plan goes into motion.

Using 출발하다 correctly in sentences requires an understanding of Korean particles and verb conjugation. Because it is an action verb, it interacts with location and time particles in specific ways. The most common particles used with 출발하다 are 에 (at/on time), 에서 (from a location), and 로/으로 (toward a destination). When you want to specify the time of departure, you attach the particle 에 to the time word. For example, '아홉 시에 출발해요' means 'I depart at nine o'clock'. This is one of the most frequent sentence patterns you will use when traveling.

우리는 내일 아침 여덟 시에 출발하다.

Time Particle Usage: Attach '에' to the specific time or date when the departure will occur, such as '내일 에' (incorrect, use 내일 without particle) or '오후 세 시에' (at 3 PM).

When indicating the starting point of the journey, the particle 에서 is essential. It translates to 'from' in this context. '서울에서 출발해요' means 'I depart from Seoul'. This distinguishes the starting location from the destination.

부산에서 서울로 출발하다.

To state the destination, you can use either 로/으로 (toward) or 에 (to). '부산으로 출발해요' means 'I am departing for Busan'. Combining these particles allows you to create comprehensive sentences about your travel plans.

Destination Particle Usage: Use '로' after a vowel or 'ㄹ', and '으로' after a consonant to indicate the direction or destination of the departure.

공항으로 일찍 출발하다.

Conjugation is also crucial. In the present polite form, it becomes 출발해요. In the past polite form, it is 출발했어요. In the future polite form, it is 출발할 거예요.

Conjugation Patterns: As a regular '하다' verb, it follows standard conjugation rules without any irregular changes, making it very predictable and easy to learn.

방금 집에서 출발하다.

You can also use it with grammar patterns expressing intention or obligation. For example, '출발해야 해요' means 'I must depart' or 'I have to leave'. '출발하고 싶어요' means 'I want to depart'.

차가 막히기 전에 출발하다.

By mastering these sentence structures, you will be able to communicate effectively about any journey, whether it is a short trip to the grocery store or an international flight across the globe.

The word 출발하다 is deeply embedded in the daily auditory landscape of South Korea. If you spend any time in the country, you will hear it constantly in a variety of settings. The most prominent place you will encounter this word is within the public transportation network. South Korea's infrastructure relies heavily on automated announcements, and these announcements are incredibly precise. When you are standing on a subway platform, you will hear announcements stating that the train is departing from the previous station or that the train you are on is about to depart.

이번 열차는 곧 출발하다.

Train Stations: KTX and SRT stations constantly broadcast departure times and status updates using formal conjugations of this verb.

Similarly, at bus terminals, dispatchers and automated systems use 출발하다 to organize the massive flow of intercity and express buses. You will hear phrases like '부산행 버스가 곧 출발합니다' (The bus bound for Busan will depart shortly).

승객 여러분, 비행기가 곧 출발하다.

Airports: Gate announcements frequently use this word to urge passengers to board before the flight sets off.

Beyond transportation hubs, you will hear this word in everyday social interactions. Koreans place a high value on punctuality and coordination when meeting friends or colleagues. It is very common to text or call someone to ask '출발했어요?' (Have you departed?) or to announce '지금 출발해요' (I am departing now).

나 지금 출발하다.

Navigation Apps: Apps like KakaoNavi or Naver Map will use this term when you start a route, often saying '경로 안내를 출발합니다' (Starting route guidance).

안내를 출발하다.

You will also encounter it in Korean dramas and movies, especially during tense scenes where characters are rushing to catch a flight or a train, or when a group is setting off on a grand adventure. The word carries a sense of momentum and forward motion.

여행을 출발하다.

Understanding the contexts in which 출발하다 is used will help you not only comprehend the language better but also integrate more smoothly into the rhythm of Korean society.

While 출발하다 is a straightforward verb, English speakers often make specific mistakes when using it, primarily due to direct translation errors and confusion over Korean particles. One of the most frequent errors involves the misuse of location particles. In English, we say 'depart for Seoul' or 'leave for Seoul'. A beginner might translate this directly and use the particle 에 (to/at), saying '서울에 출발해요'. While this might be understood, it is less natural than using the directional particle 로/으로. The correct and more natural phrasing is '서울로 출발해요' (I depart toward Seoul).

잘못된 입자 사용: 서울에 출발하다.

Particle Confusion: Using '에' instead of '로/으로' for destinations, or using '은/는' instead of '에서' for starting points.

Another common mistake is confusing 출발하다 with the verb 떠나다 (to leave). While they are often translated to the same English word, their nuances are different. 출발하다 is objective, focusing on the schedule, the physical movement, and the start of a journey. 떠나다 carries more emotional weight and implies leaving a place behind, often for a long time or permanently. If you say '한국을 출발해요', it means your flight is departing from Korea. If you say '한국을 떠나요', it sounds more dramatic, like you are leaving Korea behind, perhaps forever.

의미 혼동: 떠나다 vs 출발하다.

Emotional Nuance: Using 출발하다 for emotional departures sounds robotic. Using 떠나다 for a bus schedule sounds overly dramatic.

A third mistake involves the object particle 을/를. Because English speakers say 'leave the house', they might try to say '집을 출발해요'. This is grammatically incorrect in Korean. You cannot use the direct object particle with the starting location of 출발하다. You must use the location particle 에서. The correct sentence is '집에서 출발해요' (I depart from the house).

목적격 조사 오류: 집을 출발하다.

Direct Object Error: Applying 을/를 to the starting location. 출발하다 is an intransitive verb in this context and does not take a direct object for the location.

올바른 표현: 집에서 출발하다.

시간 오류: 내일에 출발하다.

Finally, learners sometimes add the time particle 에 to words that do not take it, such as 오늘 (today), 내일 (tomorrow), or 어제 (yesterday). Saying '내일에 출발해요' is incorrect; it should simply be '내일 출발해요'. By avoiding these common pitfalls, your Korean will sound much more natural and precise.

The Korean language offers several words related to leaving, departing, and starting, each with its own specific nuance and appropriate context. Understanding these alternatives to 출발하다 will enrich your vocabulary and allow you to express yourself more precisely. The most common alternative, as mentioned previously, is 떠나다. While 출발하다 focuses on the physical act of setting off and the schedule of a journey, 떠나다 emphasizes the act of leaving a place, a situation, or even a person behind. It carries a stronger emotional resonance. For example, '고향을 떠나다' means 'to leave one's hometown', implying a significant life event, whereas '고향에서 출발하다' simply means starting a trip from your hometown.

비슷한 단어: 떠나다 vs 출발하다.

떠나다 (To leave behind): Used for emotional departures, moving away, or leaving a location with the implication of not returning immediately.

Another useful alternative is 나서다. This verb translates roughly to 'to step out' or 'to set out'. It is often used when someone physically steps out of a building to begin a journey or an activity. '집을 나서다' means 'to step out of the house'. It has a slightly more active, personal feel than the more clinical 출발하다.

집을 나서며 출발하다.

나서다 (To step out): Focuses on the physical action of crossing a threshold or beginning an endeavor actively.

For specific modes of transportation, there are specialized verbs. For airplanes, 이륙하다 (to take off) is the technical term, though 출발하다 is still widely used in general conversation. For ships, 출항하다 (to set sail) is used. For trains and buses, 발차하다 (to depart/dispatch) is a highly formal, technical term used mostly by staff, while passengers use 출발하다.

비행기가 이륙하며 출발하다.

이륙하다 / 출항하다: Specific verbs for aviation (take off) and maritime (set sail) contexts.

배가 출항하며 출발하다.

가다 대신 출발하다.

Finally, the basic verb 가다 (to go) can sometimes serve as a simple alternative. Saying '지금 가요' (I am going now) often serves the same communicative purpose as '지금 출발해요' (I am departing now) when talking to friends. However, 출발하다 is much more specific about the exact moment of initiating the travel. Choosing the right word depends on the level of formality, the specific mode of transport, and the emotional context of the departure.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 發 (bal) is also used in words like 폭발 (explosion) and 발견 (discovery). It carries a strong sense of sudden outward movement or initiation.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕʰul.bal.ɦa.da/

US /tʃul.bɑl.hɑ.dɑ/

Korean does not have word-level stress like English, but pitch changes. Usually, the first syllable is slightly higher in pitch if it starts with an aspirated consonant like 'ㅊ'.

Rhymes With

개발하다 도발하다 폭발하다 발발하다 재발하다 선발하다 고발하다 증발하다

Common Errors

Pronouncing '출' without enough aspiration (puff of air), making it sound like '줄' (jul).
Pronouncing the 'l' in '출' as an English dark L (like in 'ball'). It should be a light, quick flap against the alveolar ridge.
Over-pronouncing the 'h' in '하다' in fast speech. It often softens to sound almost like '출바라다' (chul-ba-ra-da).
Putting English-style stress on the second syllable 'bal'. Keep all syllables relatively even in length.
Confusing the 'b' in '발' with a 'v' sound. Korean does not have a 'v' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read. The Hanja is common and the Hangul is straightforward.

Writing 2/5

Spelling is exactly as it sounds. No difficult batchim rules.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice to get the aspiration on 'ㅊ' and the flap 'ㄹ' correct.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick out in announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

가다 (to go) 오다 (to come) 시간 (time) 장소 (place) 기차 (train)

Learn Next

도착하다 (to arrive) 타다 (to ride) 내리다 (to get off) 기다리다 (to wait) 여행하다 (to travel)

Advanced

이륙하다 (to take off) 출항하다 (to set sail) 발차하다 (to dispatch) 연착되다 (to be delayed) 지연되다 (to be delayed)

Grammar to Know

Location Particle 에서 (from)

서울에서 출발해요. (Depart from Seoul.)

Direction Particle (으)로 (toward)

부산으로 출발해요. (Depart toward Busan.)

Time Particle 에 (at)

세 시에 출발해요. (Depart at 3 o'clock.)

Before doing -기 전에

출발하기 전에 전화하세요. (Call before departing.)

Because/So -아/어서

늦어서 빨리 출발했어요. (I was late, so I departed quickly.)

Examples by Level

기차가 출발해요.

The train departs.

Subject particle 가 + present polite verb.

몇 시에 출발해요?

What time do you depart?

Time particle 에 used with question word 몇 시.

우리는 내일 출발해요.

We depart tomorrow.

Time word 내일 does not take the particle 에.

버스가 곧 출발합니다.

The bus departs soon.

Formal polite ending -ㅂ니다 used for announcements.

서울에서 출발해요.

I depart from Seoul.

Location particle 에서 indicates starting point.

지금 출발해요.

I am departing now.

지금 (now) indicates immediate action.

아침에 출발해요.

I depart in the morning.

Time particle 에 used with 아침 (morning).

같이 출발해요.

Let's depart together.

Adverb 같이 (together) modifies the verb.

어제 출발했어요.

I departed yesterday.

Past tense conjugation -았/었어요.

부산으로 출발할 거예요.

I will depart for Busan.

Future tense -ㄹ 거예요 and destination particle 으로.

출발하기 전에 전화하세요.

Please call before you depart.

Pattern -기 전에 (before doing).

일찍 출발하고 싶어요.

I want to depart early.

Pattern -고 싶다 (want to do).

아직 출발 안 했어요.

I haven't departed yet.

Negative adverb 안 placed before the verb.

비행기가 정시에 출발했어요.

The airplane departed on time.

Vocabulary 정시 (on time) with particle 에.

집에서 늦게 출발했어요.

I departed late from home.

Adverb 늦게 (late) modifying the verb.

언제 출발할 수 있어요?

When can you depart?

Pattern -ㄹ 수 있다 (can do).

차가 막힐 것 같아서 일찍 출발했어요.

I departed early because I thought traffic would be bad.

Reason conjunction -아/어서 combined with assumption -ㄹ 것 같다.

비가 오니까 조심해서 출발하세요.

Since it's raining, please depart carefully.

Reason conjunction -(으)니까.

출발해야 하는데 여권이 없어요.

I have to depart, but I don't have my passport.

Obligation -아/어야 하다 combined with background clause -는데.

모두 모이면 바로 출발합시다.

Let's depart immediately once everyone gathers.

Conditional -(으)면 and formal propositive -ㅂ시다.

예정보다 한 시간 늦게 출발하게 되었습니다.

We ended up departing an hour later than scheduled.

Passive/resultative pattern -게 되다.

출발하려고 하는데 갑자기 전화가 왔어요.

I was intending to depart, but suddenly a call came.

Intention pattern -(으)려고 하다.

서울역에서 부산행 KTX가 출발하는 중입니다.

The KTX bound for Busan is currently departing from Seoul Station.

Progressive pattern -는 중이다.

안전을 위해 좌석 벨트를 매고 출발을 기다려 주십시오.

For safety, please fasten your seatbelt and wait for departure.

Noun form 출발 used as an object.

새로운 사업을 향해 힘차게 출발했습니다.

We departed vigorously towards the new business.

Metaphorical use of 출발하다 for a business venture.

조금만 더 일찍 출발했더라면 기차를 놓치지 않았을 텐데.

If only I had departed a little earlier, I wouldn't have missed the train.

Past hypothetical regret pattern -았/었더라면 ... -았/었을 텐데.

기상 악화로 인해 모든 항공편의 출발이 지연되고 있습니다.

Due to severe weather, the departure of all flights is being delayed.

Formal cause pattern -(으)로 인해.

그 선수는 이번 올림픽을 끝으로 새로운 인생을 출발하려고 합니다.

With this Olympics as the end, that athlete intends to depart on a new life.

Abstract usage '새로운 인생을 출발하다'.

출발 일자를 변경하려면 수수료를 지불해야 합니다.

If you intend to change the departure date, you must pay a fee.

Compound noun 출발 일자 (departure date).

정확히 정각에 출발하도록 기사님께 말씀드렸어요.

I told the driver so that we depart exactly on the hour.

Instruction/causative pattern -도록.

짐을 다 싣는 대로 지체 없이 출발할 예정입니다.

We plan to depart without delay as soon as all the luggage is loaded.

Immediate sequence pattern -는 대로.

회의가 끝나는 즉시 공항으로 출발해야 비행기를 탈 수 있어요.

You must depart for the airport the instant the meeting ends to catch the flight.

Immediate sequence noun 즉시.

우여곡절 끝에 드디어 프로젝트가 첫발을 내디디며 출발하게 되었습니다.

After many twists and turns, the project has finally taken its first step and departed.

Idiomatic expression 첫발을 내디디다 combined with 출발하다.

출발선에 선 마라톤 선수들의 얼굴에는 긴장감이 역력했습니다.

Tension was evident on the faces of the marathon runners standing at the starting line.

Compound noun 출발선 (starting line).

이번 사태를 계기로 우리 사회가 더 나은 방향으로 출발하기를 바랍니다.

I hope that with this incident as a turning point, our society will depart in a better direction.

Metaphorical societal usage with -기를 바라다.

열차가 출발하려던 찰나에 간신히 탑승할 수 있었습니다.

I managed to board at the very moment the train was about to depart.

Precise timing pattern -려던 찰나에.

출발 전 차량 점검은 선택이 아닌 필수 사항입니다.

Vehicle inspection before departure is not an option but a mandatory requirement.

Formal declarative structure A은/는 B이/가 아니다.

그의 발언은 논리적 비약에서 출발했기 때문에 설득력이 떨어집니다.

Because his statement departed from a logical leap, it lacks persuasive power.

Abstract usage indicating the origin of an argument.

당초 계획대로라면 이미 출발하고도 남았을 시간입니다.

If it were according to the original plan, it is a time when we would have more than already departed.

Advanced hypothetical pattern -고도 남다.

출발 신호가 떨어지기 무섭게 선수들이 앞으로 튀어나갔다.

The athletes dashed forward the moment the departure signal was given.

Immediate action pattern -기 무섭게.

모든 위대한 여정은 단 한 걸음의 출발에서 비롯된다는 격언을 되새겨 봅니다.

I reflect on the proverb that all great journeys originate from the departure of a single step.

Literary style and philosophical context.

그 작가의 문학 세계는 유년 시절의 상실감에서 출발하여 인류애로 확장됩니다.

The author's literary world departs from the sense of loss in childhood and expands into love for humanity.

Academic/literary analysis usage.

출발의 설렘 이면에는 미지의 세계에 대한 막연한 두려움이 공존하기 마련이다.

Behind the excitement of departure, a vague fear of the unknown world is bound to coexist.

Sophisticated psychological description using -기 마련이다.

제도적 결함에서 출발한 문제인 만큼, 근본적인 시스템 개혁 없이는 해결이 요원합니다.

As it is a problem that departed from institutional flaws, a solution is far off without fundamental system reform.

Formal analytical structure -은/는 만큼.

출발을 알리는 기적 소리가 향수를 자극하며 귓가를 맴돌았다.

The sound of the whistle announcing the departure stimulated nostalgia and lingered in my ears.

Poetic and descriptive imagery.

초심으로 돌아가 다시 출발선에 서는 각오로 임하겠습니다.

I will approach this with the resolve of returning to my original intention and standing at the starting line again.

Formal pledge or resolution phrasing.

그 이론은 인간이 본래 이기적인 존재라는 전제에서 출발하고 있다.

That theory departs from the premise that humans are inherently selfish beings.

Academic usage indicating the foundational premise.

어둠이 걷히고 여명이 밝아오는 가운데, 원정대는 조용히 출발을 서둘렀다.

Amidst the darkness lifting and the dawn breaking, the expedition quietly hurried their departure.

Narrative storytelling style.

Synonyms

떠나다 발차하다 시작하다 나서다 행진하다

Antonyms

도착하다 귀가하다

Common Collocations

일찍 출발하다

늦게 출발하다

정시에 출발하다

기차가 출발하다

비행기가 출발하다

여행을 출발하다

서울에서 출발하다

부산으로 출발하다

출발을 서두르다

출발을 지연시키다

Common Phrases

지금 출발해요.

— I am departing now. Used constantly in texts and calls to confirm you are on your way.

A: 어디야? B: 지금 출발해요.

출발했어요?

— Have you departed? Used to check if someone has left their starting point yet.

약속 시간이 다 됐는데, 출발했어요?

언제 출발할 거예요?

— When will you depart? Used to ask about future travel plans.

내일 언제 출발할 거예요?

출발하기 전에

— Before departing. Used to indicate an action that must happen before leaving.

출발하기 전에 화장실에 다녀오세요.

곧 출발합니다.

— Departing soon. A standard announcement on public transport.

안내 말씀 드립니다. 열차가 곧 출발합니다.

출발 준비 끝!

— Ready to depart! (Literally: Departure preparation finished). Used casually.

짐 다 쌌어. 출발 준비 끝!

출발 시간

— Departure time. A crucial noun phrase for travel.

비행기 출발 시간이 언제입니까?

출발지

— Starting point / point of departure.

출발지와 도착지를 입력하세요.

새로운 출발

— A fresh start / a new beginning.

졸업은 끝이 아니라 새로운 출발입니다.

출발선에 서다

— To stand at the starting line. Can be literal or metaphorical.

드디어 마라톤 출발선에 섰습니다.

Often Confused With

출발하다 vs 떠나다

떠나다 implies leaving a place behind, often emotionally or permanently. 출발하다 is just the physical start of a trip.

출발하다 vs 가다

가다 simply means 'to go'. 출발하다 emphasizes the exact moment of initiating the movement.

출발하다 vs 시작하다

시작하다 means 'to start' an action or event. 출발하다 is specifically for starting a journey or movement.

Idioms & Expressions

"첫 단추를 꿰다"

— To button the first button. Metaphorically means to make a good start, similar to a good departure.

무슨 일이든 첫 단추를 잘 꿰어야 합니다.

Idiomatic

"천 리 길도 한 걸음부터"

— Even a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Emphasizes the importance of the departure/start.

너무 조급해하지 마세요. 천 리 길도 한 걸음부터입니다.

Proverb

"시작이 반이다"

— Starting is half the battle. Relates to the concept that departing/starting is the hardest part.

일단 출발해 봅시다. 시작이 반이니까요.

Proverb

"닻을 올리다"

— To raise the anchor. Metaphorically means to set sail or depart on a new venture.

우리 회사가 드디어 세계 시장을 향해 닻을 올렸습니다.

Metaphorical

"기적을 울리다"

— To sound the train whistle. Metaphorically means to signal a grand departure or start.

새 시대의 기적을 울리며 출발했습니다.

Literary

"발걸음을 떼다"

— To take a step. Means to initiate a journey or action.

드디어 꿈을 향해 첫 발걸음을 뗐습니다.

Idiomatic

"시동을 걸다"

— To start the engine. Used metaphorically to mean preparing to depart or start a project.

본격적인 선거 운동에 시동을 걸었습니다.

Idiomatic

"첫발을 내디디다"

— To take the first step. Often used with 출발하다 for emphasis on a new beginning.

사회인으로서 첫발을 내디디며 새롭게 출발했습니다.

Idiomatic

"출사표를 던지다"

— To throw a declaration of war/campaign. Means to officially announce one's departure into a competition or election.

그는 차기 시장 선거에 출사표를 던졌습니다.

Formal/Idiomatic

"막을 올리다"

— To raise the curtain. Means to start an event or era.

새로운 축제의 막을 올리며 화려하게 출발했습니다.

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

출발하다 vs 도착하다

Opposite meaning, often learned together.

출발하다 means to depart. 도착하다 means to arrive.

서울에서 출발해서 부산에 도착했어요.

출발하다 vs 나서다

Similar meaning of setting out.

나서다 focuses on stepping out of a door or boundary. 출발하다 focuses on the schedule and journey.

집을 나서다 (Step out of the house).

출발하다 vs 발차하다

Used in transportation.

발차하다 is a technical term for dispatching a vehicle. Passengers use 출발하다.

열차 발차 (Train dispatch).

출발하다 vs 이륙하다

Used for flights.

이륙하다 specifically means wheels leaving the ground (take off). 출발하다 means the flight process starting.

비행기가 이륙하다 (Airplane takes off).

출발하다 vs 출근하다

Sounds similar (starts with 출).

출근하다 means to go to work. 출발하다 means to depart anywhere.

회사로 출근하다 (Go to work).

Sentence Patterns

[Time]에 출발해요.

아홉 시에 출발해요.

[Location]에서 출발해요.

집에서 출발해요.

[Destination]으로 출발할 거예요.

제주도로 출발할 거예요.

출발하기 전에 [Action].

출발하기 전에 밥을 먹어요.

[Reason]아/어서 일찍/늦게 출발했어요.

비가 와서 일찍 출발했어요.

출발하려고 하는데 [Situation].

출발하려고 하는데 전화가 왔어요.

[Abstract Noun]을/를 출발하다.

새로운 인생을 출발하다.

출발하자마자 [Event].

출발하자마자 사고가 났어요.

Word Family

Nouns

출발 (departure)

출발지 (starting point)

출발선 (starting line)

출발점 (starting point/origin)

출발일 (departure date)

Verbs

출발하다 (to depart)

출발시키다 (to make something depart/to dispatch)

도착하다 (to arrive)

도착 (arrival)

여행 (travel)

교통 (transportation)

일정 (schedule)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High. Top 1000 most common Korean words.

Common Mistakes

서울에 출발해요. → 서울로 출발해요. / 서울에서 출발해요.
Do not use '에' for locations with this verb. Use '로/으로' for the destination (to) and '에서' for the starting point (from).
집을 출발해요. → 집에서 출발해요.
English speakers say 'leave the house', treating house as a direct object. In Korean, you depart FROM the house, so you must use '에서'.
영화를 출발해요. → 영화를 시작해요.
출발하다 is for journeys and movement. For events, media, or meetings, you must use 시작하다 (to start).
내일에 출발해요. → 내일 출발해요.
The time words 오늘 (today), 내일 (tomorrow), and 어제 (yesterday) do not take the time particle '에'.
여자친구를 출발했어요. → 여자친구를 떠났어요.
If you are breaking up with someone or leaving them behind emotionally, you must use 떠나다. 출발하다 sounds like you are using them as a vehicle.

Tips

Particle Rule

Always memorize the pair: [Location]에서 출발하다. Never use 을/를 for the starting point.

Texting Friends

The most common text you will send in Korea is '지금 출발했어' (I just left). Use the past tense even if you are just walking out the door.

Subway Announcements

Train your ear to catch '출발합니다' in the subway. It means the doors are about to close, so don't rush in!

Ppalli-Ppalli

Koreans value time. Always let people know when you '출발' so they can calculate your arrival time.

Aspiration

Make sure to blow a puff of air on the 'ㅊ' (ch) in 출발. Hold your hand in front of your mouth; you should feel the air.

Metaphors

Impress native speakers by using it metaphorically: '새로운 도전을 출발하다' (To depart on a new challenge).

떠나다 vs 출발하다

Use 떠나다 for emotional goodbyes. Use 출발하다 for schedules and logistics.

Time Expressions

Combine with '기 전에' (before). '출발하기 전에' is incredibly useful for planning.

Airport Signs

Look for the word '출발' (Departure) on signs at Incheon Airport. It will guide you to the check-in counters.

Formal Emails

When writing to a boss about a business trip, use '내일 아침 부산으로 출발할 예정입니다' (I plan to depart for Busan tomorrow morning).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine you are chewing (출 - chul) a ball (발 - bal) right before you 'ha-da' (have to) DEPART on a long trip.

Visual Association

Picture a train leaving a station. On the side of the train, the letters CHUL-BAL are painted in bright colors. As the train moves, the wheels say 'ha-da, ha-da, ha-da'.

Word Web

출발하다 기차 (train) 비행기 (airplane) 시간 (time) 에서 (from) 으로 (to) 여행 (travel) 도착하다 (arrive)

Challenge

Next time you leave your house, say '지금 출발해요' out loud. Text a friend who is learning Korean '출발했어요?' when you are waiting for them.

Word Origin

The word 출발하다 comes from the Sino-Korean noun 출발 (出發) combined with the native Korean verb 하다 (to do). The character 出 (chul) means 'to go out' or 'to exit'. The character 發 (bal) means 'to emit', 'to shoot', or 'to start'. Together, they literally mean 'to go out and start'.

Original meaning: To physically exit a place and initiate a journey or action.

Sino-Korean (Hanja) + Native Korean verb ending.

Cultural Context

No specific cultural sensitivities. It is a neutral, universally applicable word.

English speakers often say 'I'm leaving now' or 'I'm on my way'. In Korean, '지금 출발해요' covers both concepts perfectly.

Train to Busan (부산행) - The movie centers around the departure (출발) of a train during a zombie outbreak. Various K-pop songs use '출발' to signify starting a new journey or chasing a dream. Let's Go Dream Team! (출발 드림팀) - A famous classic Korean variety show.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Taking a Train/Bus

기차가 출발해요
몇 시 출발이에요?
정시에 출발합니다
출발역이 어디예요?

Taking a Flight

비행기 출발 시간
출발 게이트
출발이 지연되었습니다
출발 수속

Meeting Friends

지금 출발했어?
언제 출발해?
나 방금 출발했어
도착하면 연락해

Road Trips

아침 일찍 출발하자
차가 막히기 전에 출발해
출발 준비 다 됐어?
휴게소 들렀다 출발하자

Business/Projects

새로운 프로젝트가 출발했습니다
순조로운 출발
출발점에 서다
힘찬 출발을 응원합니다

Conversation Starters

"내일 여행 가신다고 들었는데, 몇 시에 출발하세요?"

"차가 많이 막힐 것 같은데, 언제 출발하는 게 좋을까요?"

"방금 집에서 출발했는데, 혹시 필요한 거 있어요?"

"비행기 출발 시간이 언제예요? 공항에는 언제까지 가야 해요?"

"우리 언제쯤 출발하면 늦지 않게 도착할 수 있을까요?"

Journal Prompts

가장 기억에 남는 여행의 출발 순간을 묘사해 보세요.

내일 아침 일찍 출발해야 한다면, 오늘 밤에 무엇을 준비할 것인가요?

새로운 목표를 향해 출발선에 섰을 때의 기분은 어땠나요?

기차가 출발하기 직전에 아슬아슬하게 탄 경험이 있나요?

당신에게 '새로운 출발'이란 어떤 의미인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can. It doesn't require a vehicle. If you are walking to a friend's house, you can say '지금 걸어서 출발해요' (I am departing on foot now). The focus is on the start of the journey, regardless of the mode of transport.

This is a crucial distinction. '에' is used for the TIME of departure (e.g., 3시에 출발해요 - depart at 3). '에서' is used for the STARTING LOCATION (e.g., 서울에서 출발해요 - depart from Seoul). Never use '에' for the starting location.

You can use the noun form '출발' and say '비행기 출발이 지연되었어요' (The airplane's departure has been delayed). Alternatively, you can say '비행기가 늦게 출발해요' (The airplane departs late).

No, this is a common mistake. 출발하다 does not take the direct object particle 을/를 for the starting location. You must use 에서. The correct phrase is '집에서 출발해요'.

Usually, no. For events, movies, or meetings, you should use 시작하다 (to start). 출발하다 is generally reserved for physical journeys or metaphorical journeys (like starting a new life).

It literally means 'starting line' (like in a race). It is often used metaphorically to mean the beginning of a competition or a new phase in life. Example: 다시 출발선에 섰다 (I stood at the starting line again).

You can simply say '출발해 주세요' (Please depart) or '가 주세요' (Please go). Both are perfectly natural and polite when you are ready to begin the ride.

The direct opposite is 도착하다 (to arrive). They are often used together in sentences like '언제 출발해서 언제 도착해요?' (When do you depart and when do you arrive?).

Yes. '출발하고 있어요' or '출발하는 중이에요' means 'I am in the middle of departing' or 'I am on my way right now'. It emphasizes that the action is currently happening.

Yes, it comes from the Hanja 出發. 出 means 'out' and 發 means 'start/emit'. Knowing this helps you understand other words with these characters, like 출구 (exit) or 발견 (discovery).