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Vocabulary
개시하다

A2 verb #4,000 most common 9 min read

개시하다

gaesihada Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 개시하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 개시하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '개시하다' actively in your own speech, as '시작하다' (to start) is much more important. However, you might see '개시' on signs in Korean shops or on websites. If you see a sign that says '세일 개시' (Sale Starts), you should recognize that it means something new is beginning. Think of it as a formal 'Start' button. At this stage, just focus on the fact that '개' (open) + '시' (start) means something is opening for the first time or starting officially. You might hear it in very simple announcements like '공격 개시' (Start attack) in games, which helps you associate it with the beginning of an action. Don't worry about the grammar yet; just recognize the word's appearance in public spaces.

At the A2 level, you should begin to distinguish between '시작하다' and '개시하다.' You should understand that '개시하다' is used for more formal or business-related starts. For example, if you are working in a shop or talking about a company's new service, '개시하다' is the appropriate word. You should also learn the passive form '개시되다' (to be started), which is common in news headlines. A key cultural point for A2 learners is the '첫 개시' (first sale of the day). If you visit a Korean market early in the morning, understanding this word will help you understand the vendors' mindset. You can start using it in simple sentences about business hours or official events, but keep using '시작하다' for your personal life.

By the B1 level, you should be able to use '개시하다' correctly in professional or formal writing, such as emails or reports. You should know that it takes an object (marked with -을/를) and is often used with business-related nouns like '업무' (work), '수사' (investigation), or '공사' (construction). You should also be able to distinguish '개시하다' from its homophone '게시하다' (to post a notice), which is a common source of confusion. At this level, you should understand the nuance that '개시하다' implies a planned or official commencement. If you are describing a project's timeline, using '개시' for the official start date makes your Korean sound much more advanced and precise than just using '시작.'

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the Hanja roots (開: open, 始: start) and how they influence the word's usage across different domains. You should be comfortable hearing this word in news broadcasts regarding international diplomacy (e.g., 'negotiations commenced') or legal proceedings (e.g., 'the trial commenced'). You should also learn more complex collocations like '효력 개시' (becoming effective) and '운행 개시' (starting operation). At this level, you should be able to explain the difference between '개시하다' and '착수하다' (to set to work), noting that '개시' is more about the point of starting, while '착수' is about the action of starting the work itself. Your usage should reflect a clear understanding of register and tone.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '개시하다' should include its idiomatic and cultural nuances. You should be able to use it in complex sentence structures, such as within relative clauses or as part of formal speeches. You should understand how '개시' functions in the stock market ('장 개시') and in specialized legal contexts. You should also be aware of how the word has evolved historically and how it compares to more archaic or literary terms for 'beginning.' In a business setting, you should be able to lead a meeting and use '개시' to signal transitions between phases of a project. Your ability to switch between '시작,' '개시,' '착수,' and '발족' depending on the exact nuance of the situation should be near-native.

At the C2 level, you should have a masterly command of '개시하다' and its place in the broader Korean lexicon. This includes understanding its use in high-level academic papers, legal statutes, and classical literature. You should be able to discuss the subtle differences between '개시' and other Hanja-based synonyms like '개초(開初)' or '시발(始發)' in specific historical or technical contexts. You should also be able to recognize and use the word in creative writing to set a specific formal or dramatic tone. Your understanding should extend to how '개시' interacts with various honorific levels and how it can be used rhetorically to emphasize the importance of a new beginning. At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise and powerful communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

개시하다 in 30 Seconds

개시하다 is a formal verb meaning 'to start' or 'to commence,' primarily used in business, legal, and official contexts.
It is the standard word for 'opening' a business day or starting the first sale of the day in a shop.
Commonly paired with nouns like 'sale,' 'investigation,' 'service,' and 'operation' to indicate a planned beginning.
It is distinguished from the general '시작하다' by its higher register and association with official or public actions.

The Korean verb 개시하다 (gaesihada) is a sophisticated way to say 'to begin' or 'to start.' While the common word 시작하다 is used in almost every daily situation, 개시하다 carries a more formal, official, or commercial weight. It originates from the Hanja characters 開 (개), meaning 'to open,' and 始 (시), meaning 'to begin.' Therefore, its core essence is about 'opening up the start' of something. You will most frequently encounter this word in business environments, such as when a store opens for the day, or in official administrative contexts, such as the commencement of a legal investigation or a government project. It implies a structured or significant beginning rather than a casual one.

Commercial Context: In the world of retail, this word is used to describe the first sale of the day or the start of a massive seasonal sale event. Shopkeepers might use it to signify they are ready for business.
Official/Legal Context: Government agencies '개시' investigations or public services. It suggests that the proper procedures have been followed to trigger the start of an event.
Military/Strategic Context: In historical dramas or news regarding military exercises, you will hear this word used for the commencement of operations or attacks.

백화점이 오늘부터 정기 세일을 개시했다.

Translation: The department store started its regular sale today.

Using 개시하다 instead of 시작하다 instantly elevates the tone of your speech. For example, if you are presenting a business proposal, saying '프로젝트를 개시하겠습니다' (We will commence the project) sounds much more professional and decisive than '프로젝트를 시작할게요.' It signals to the listener that the action is part of a planned, formal process. However, because of this weight, it is rarely used for personal habits like 'I started exercising' or 'I started reading a book.' In those cases, 시작하다 remains the natural choice. Understanding the boundary between these two words is key to mastering mid-to-high-level Korean register.

검찰은 해당 사건에 대한 수사를 개시하기로 결정했습니다.

Translation: The prosecution decided to initiate an investigation into the case.

Service Activation: When a new subway line or a digital service becomes available for the first time, the term '서비스 개시' is used. It marks the transition from preparation to public availability.

Grammatically, 개시하다 is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes an object marked by the particles -을/를. The structure is typically [Subject] + [Object] + [개시하다]. Because it is a formal word, it is most often conjugated in the -습니다 (formal polite) or -어/아 (standard polite) styles, and rarely in informal 'banmal' unless in a very specific narrative context. You should also be aware of the passive form, 개시되다, which means 'to be started' or 'to be commenced.' This is used when the focus is on the action or event itself rather than who started it.

공격 개시!

Translation: Commence attack! (Commonly heard in movies or games).

When using 개시하다 in a business context, it often refers to the 'opening' of a business day. In Korea, there is a cultural concept of '첫 개시' (the first sale). Shopkeepers believe that the first customer of the day sets the tone for the rest of the day's business. If someone says, '아직 개시도 못 했어요,' they mean they haven't even made their first sale yet today. This specific nuance is unique to the commercial application of the word and is a great way to sound like a native speaker who understands Korean business culture.

Object Collocations: Common objects include: 사업 (business), 수사 (investigation), 세일 (sale), 서비스 (service), 업무 (work/tasks), and 회담 (talks/negotiations).
Time Indicators: It is often used with specific time markers like '오늘부로' (as of today), '정각에' (at the stroke of the hour), or '즉시' (immediately).

새로운 온라인 뱅킹 서비스가 내일부터 개시됩니다.

Translation: The new online banking service will be initiated starting tomorrow.

In writing, 개시하다 is preferred in reports and news articles. If you are writing a formal email to a client about starting a contract, '계약 이행을 개시하겠습니다' (We will commence the execution of the contract) provides a level of certainty and professionalism. It sounds more binding than using '시작하다.' Furthermore, in legal documents, '효력이 개시되다' is a standard phrase meaning 'to come into effect' or 'for the legal force to begin.' This illustrates how the word bridges the gap between 'starting an action' and 'becoming active/operational.'

You are most likely to hear 개시하다 in environments where formal announcements are made. For instance, at a large conference or a sporting event, the announcer might say, '이제 경기를 개시하겠습니다' (We will now commence the match). It adds a sense of ceremony to the beginning of the event. Similarly, on the news, journalists use it when reporting on high-level government decisions or international relations, such as '양국은 평화 협상을 개시하기로 합의했습니다' (The two countries agreed to initiate peace negotiations).

이번 특판 행사는 오전 9시 정각에 개시될 예정입니다.

Translation: This special sale event is scheduled to commence at exactly 9:00 AM.

Another common place to encounter this word is in the workplace. During a project kickoff meeting, a manager might use the word to signal the official start of a new phase. It’s also prevalent in the tech industry when launching new software or servers. If a system is '개시'ed, it means it is now live and operational. In these settings, the word conveys a sense of readiness and the culmination of preparation efforts. It isn't just about the first step; it's about the official 'go' signal.

Public Transportation: Announcements about new bus routes or subway lines often use '운행 개시' (commencement of operation).
Stock Market: Financial news reports use it to describe the opening of the market (장 개시).

드디어 오늘부터 새로운 지하철 노선이 운행을 개시합니다.

Translation: Finally, the new subway line starts its operation today.

In traditional Korean markets, you might hear older vendors talking about '개시.' They might say '마수걸이 개시했다' which is a very idiomatic way of saying they finally made their first sale. While '마수걸이' is the specific folk term for the first sale, '개시' is the more general term used alongside it. If you visit a market early in the morning, you might hear a vendor happily shouting to their neighbor that they've '개시'ed for the day, which means the day's luck has started flowing.

The most common mistake learners make is using 개시하다 in casual, everyday contexts where it sounds unnaturally stiff. For example, if you say '나는 아침 식사를 개시했다' (I commenced my breakfast), it sounds like you are treating your meal like a formal military operation or a government project. In English, this is like saying 'I initiated the consumption of my morning repast' instead of 'I started eating breakfast.' Always default to 시작하다 for personal actions, hobbies, and informal conversations.

공부를 개시할게요. (X)
공부를 시작할게요. (O)

Correction: Use '시작하다' for personal tasks like studying.

Another mistake is confusing 개시하다 (to start/open) with 게시하다 (to post/display). They sound very similar (Gaesi vs. Gesi), but their meanings are entirely different. 게시하다 (揭示-) is used when you put up a notice on a bulletin board or post something on a website. If you tell someone you '개시'ed a notice, they might think you 'started' the notice process rather than 'posted' it. Pay close attention to the vowel: 'ㅐ' (ae) for starting/opening, and 'ㅔ' (e) for posting.

Spelling Confusion: 개시 (Commencement) vs. 게시 (Posting). Example: 공고를 게시하다 (Post a notice) vs. 공사를 개시하다 (Commence construction).
Register Mismatch: Using it with close friends or family. It makes you sound like a robot or a news anchor.

Finally, some learners forget that 개시하다 requires a certain level of 'publicness' or 'formality.' You wouldn't '개시' a conversation with a friend, but a diplomat might '개시' a dialogue with a foreign counterpart. If the action doesn't have an official start time or a formal procedure, 시작하다 or 말을 걸다 (to strike up a conversation) is more appropriate. Using high-level vocabulary is great, but using it in the wrong register can actually make your Korean sound less natural.

To truly master 개시하다, you need to see where it fits among other Korean words for 'starting.' The most obvious alternative is 시작하다, which is the universal 'to start.' However, there are several other specialized verbs that overlap with 개시하다 depending on the specific context. For example, 착수하다 (着手-) means to 'set to work' or 'embark on' a project or investigation, often implying that you have physically started the labor involved. While 개시하다 is the official announcement of the start, 착수하다 emphasizes the beginning of the actual work process.

시작하다 (To Start): The general term. Used for everything from 'starting a movie' to 'starting a diet.' Less formal than 개시하다.
착수하다 (To Embark/Commence Work): Used for projects, investigations, or construction. It implies 'getting one's hands on' the work.
개막하다 (To Open a Curtain/Event): Specifically used for festivals, plays, or sports seasons. Literally 'to open the curtain.'

정부는 신도시 건설에 착수했다.

Translation: The government embarked on the construction of the new city.

Another interesting comparison is with 발족하다 (發足-), which means 'to start an organization' or 'to launch a committee.' Literally meaning 'to set foot forward,' it is used when a new group is officially formed to perform a specific task. While you might '개시' the first meeting of a committee, the committee itself is '발족'ed. Similarly, 창업하다 is used specifically for starting a business/company. If you open your shop doors for the day, you '개시' business, but when you first founded the company, you '창업'ed.

축제가 화려하게 개막했다.

Translation: The festival opened (commenced) magnificently.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In traditional markets, the 'first sale' (개시) was so important that if the first customer was rude, the merchant might close for the day, fearing bad luck!

Pronunciation Guide

UK ɡɛ.ɕi.ɦa.da

US ɡeɪ.ɕi.hɑ.dɑ

The primary stress is on the first syllable '개' (gae).

Rhymes With

제시하다 (jesihada - to suggest) 표시하다 (pyosihada - to mark) 무시하다 (musihada - to ignore) 감시하다 (gamsihada - to monitor) 중시하다 (jungsihada - to value) 응시하다 (eungsihada - to gaze) 전시하다 (jeonsihada - to display) 지시하다 (jisihada - to instruct)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '개' (gae) as '게' (ge). '개' is more open.
Making the 'si' sound like 'see' with a very sharp 's' instead of the softer Korean 'ㅅ' sound.
Over-aspirating the 'h' in 'hada'.
Confusing the pitch with '게시하다'.
Not linking 'si' and 'hada' smoothly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and signs, easy to recognize once learned.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of appropriate formal contexts.

Speaking 4/5

Tricky to balance register; avoid using in casual talk.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation but can be confused with '게시하다'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

시작하다 열다 가게 일 공부

Learn Next

착수하다 발족하다 개막하다 출범하다 마감하다

Advanced

개초 시발 효력 수사권 타당성

Grammar to Know

Passive -되다

수사가 개시되었다.

Noun + -하다

개시 + 하다 = 개시하다

Honorific -시-

사장님께서 업무를 개시하셨습니다.

Future -ㄹ 것이다

내일 개시할 것입니다.

Reason -아/어서

세일을 개시해서 손님이 많아요.

Examples by Level

세일을 개시합니다.

The sale starts.

Simple present tense.

오늘 개시했어요?

Did you start (business) today?

Past tense question.

게임을 개시하자!

Let's start the game!

Let's (informal) ending.

공격을 개시해!

Start the attack!

Imperative form.

서비스 개시.

Service starts.

Noun + verb stem.

내일 개시해요.

It starts tomorrow.

Future context with present tense.

언제 개시해요?

When does it start?

Interrogative 'when'.

지금 개시합니다.

Starting now.

Formal present tense.

백화점이 세일을 개시했습니다.

The department store started the sale.

Formal past tense.

아직 첫 개시도 못 했어요.

I haven't even made the first sale yet.

Usage of '첫 개시' as a noun phrase.

새로운 앱이 서비스를 개시했다.

The new app started its service.

Standard past tense.

오전 9시에 업무를 개시합니다.

We start work at 9 AM.

Formal present tense for schedules.

공사를 곧 개시할 예정입니다.

We plan to start the construction soon.

-ㄹ 예정 (plan to) structure.

은행이 영업을 개시했어요.

The bank started its business hours.

Polite past tense.

오늘부터 수영장을 개시합니다.

The swimming pool opens from today.

-부터 (from) particle.

티켓 판매를 개시했습니다.

The ticket sales have started.

Past tense with object.

경찰은 즉각 수사를 개시하기로 했습니다.

The police decided to initiate an investigation immediately.

-기로 하다 (decide to) structure.

새로운 제도가 다음 달부터 개시됩니다.

The new system will be initiated starting next month.

Passive form '개시되다'.

회담을 개시하기 전에 서류를 확인하세요.

Check the documents before commencing the talks.

-기 전에 (before doing) structure.

이번 프로젝트는 다음 주에 개시될 것입니다.

This project will be initiated next week.

Future passive form.

신규 노선이 운행을 개시하여 편리해졌다.

It became convenient as the new route started operation.

-아/어서 (reason/cause) connector.

판매 개시 10분 만에 품절되었습니다.

It was sold out within 10 minutes of starting sales.

Noun form '개시' used with '만'.

정부는 긴급 구호 활동을 개시했습니다.

The government initiated emergency relief activities.

Formal past tense with complex object.

공격 개시 신호를 기다리고 있습니다.

We are waiting for the signal to start the attack.

Noun '개시' modifying '신호'.

검찰은 혐의가 포착되자마자 수사를 개시했다.

The prosecution initiated an investigation as soon as the suspicion was detected.

-자마자 (as soon as) connector.

양국은 평화 조약 체결을 위한 협상을 개시했다.

The two countries initiated negotiations to sign a peace treaty.

-위한 (for the purpose of) modifier.

본격적인 공사 개시에 앞서 안전 점검을 실시했다.

Prior to the official start of construction, a safety inspection was conducted.

-에 앞서 (prior to) expression.

이 서비스는 유료 결제 후에만 이용 개시가 가능합니다.

This service can only be started after a paid payment.

Noun form '개시' as a subject.

법적인 효력이 개시되는 시점은 자정부터입니다.

The point when legal effect commences is from midnight.

Relative clause modifying '시점'.

전쟁이 개시되자 시민들은 지하로 대피했습니다.

As the war commenced, citizens evacuated underground.

-자 (as/when) connector.

기업들은 신제품 출시와 함께 마케팅을 개시했다.

Companies initiated marketing along with the new product launch.

-와 함께 (along with) expression.

그는 자신의 사업을 개시하기 위해 대출을 받았다.

He took out a loan to start his own business.

-기 위해 (in order to) structure.

정부는 경제 활성화를 위한 특단의 조치를 개시하기로 공표했다.

The government announced its decision to initiate extraordinary measures for economic revitalization.

Complex object with '-를 위한' and '-하기로'.

새로운 법안의 시행으로 인해 여러 변화가 개시될 것으로 보인다.

It appears that various changes will be initiated due to the enforcement of the new bill.

-ㄹ 것으로 보인다 (it seems that) structure.

그들은 적대적 행위를 개시함으로써 협상을 결렬시켰다.

They broke off negotiations by initiating hostile acts.

-함으로써 (by doing) structure.

역사적인 회담의 개시는 전 세계의 이목을 집중시켰다.

The commencement of the historic talks drew the attention of the whole world.

Noun phrase as the subject.

시스템 개시 직후 발생한 오류를 해결하는 데 주력하고 있다.

They are focusing on resolving the errors that occurred immediately after the system launch.

-는 데 (in the process of) structure.

해당 사업은 타당성 조사가 끝나는 대로 개시될 예정이다.

The project is scheduled to be initiated as soon as the feasibility study is completed.

-는 대로 (as soon as) structure.

전통 시장의 개시 풍습은 여전히 상인들에게 중요하다.

The custom of the first sale in traditional markets is still important to merchants.

Noun '개시' used in a cultural context.

그는 침묵을 깨고 드디어 반격을 개시했다.

He broke the silence and finally initiated a counterattack.

Metaphorical use of '개시하다'.

국가 간의 군사적 긴장이 최고조에 달하며 국지전이 개시되었다.

As military tensions between nations reached a peak, a localized war commenced.

Formal passive voice in a geopolitical context.

사법부는 헌법적 가치를 수호하기 위한 심리를 개시하겠다고 밝혔다.

The judiciary stated it would initiate a hearing to protect constitutional values.

-겠다고 밝히다 (stated that they will) reported speech.

전례 없는 대규모 프로젝트의 개시는 산업계에 큰 파장을 불러일으켰다.

The commencement of the unprecedented large-scale project caused a great ripple in the industry.

High-level noun phrase subject.

그의 발언은 당내 권력 투쟁을 개시하는 신호탄이 되었다.

His remarks became the signal fire that initiated the power struggle within the party.

Metaphorical '신호탄' (signal flare) used with '개시'.

우주 탐사선이 궤도 진입 후 본격적인 탐사를 개시했습니다.

The space probe initiated its full-scale exploration after entering orbit.

Scientific/Technical context.

새로운 시대의 개시를 알리는 종소리가 울려 퍼졌다.

The sound of bells rang out, announcing the commencement of a new era.

Literary/Poetic use.

모든 행정 절차가 마무리됨에 따라 오늘부터 효력이 개시됩니다.

As all administrative procedures have been finalized, the effect commences from today.

-함에 따라 (according to/as) structure.

그들은 비밀리에 작전을 개시하여 적의 허를 찔렀다.

They initiated the operation in secret and caught the enemy off guard.

Strategic/Military narrative.

Common Collocations

수사를 개시하다

영업을 개시하다

판매를 개시하다

서비스를 개시하다

공격을 개시하다

세일을 개시하다

업무를 개시하다

협상을 개시하다

운행을 개시하다

효력이 개시되다

Common Phrases

첫 개시

— The first sale of the day in a shop.

오늘 첫 개시를 기분 좋게 했어요.

개시 전

— Before the start/commencement.

개시 전에 미리 준비하세요.

개시 후

— After the start/commencement.

개시 후에 많은 손님이 몰렸다.

개시 정각

— Exactly at the start time.

9시 정각에 개시합니다.

즉시 개시

— Immediate commencement.

명령을 받으면 즉시 개시하라.

본격 개시

— Full-scale commencement.

공사가 본격 개시되었습니다.

운행 개시

— Start of vehicle operation.

버스 노선 운행 개시 안내.

장 개시

— Market opening (stock market).

장 개시와 동시에 주가가 올랐다.

공사 개시

— Start of construction.

아파트 공사 개시 통보.

수사 개시권

— The right to initiate an investigation.

경찰의 수사 개시권 확대 논란.

Often Confused With

개시하다 vs 게시하다

To post a notice or display something on a board. (Gaesi vs. Gesi)

개시하다 vs 개최하다

To hold an event or host a meeting. (Gaesi vs. Gaechoe)

개시하다 vs 개시 (蓋視)

A very rare/archaic term meaning to look over; ignore this.

Idioms & Expressions

"개시가 좋다"

— To have a good start (usually referring to the first sale).

오늘은 첫 개시가 좋아서 장사가 잘 될 것 같아.

Colloquial/Business

"개시도 못 하다"

— To not even have started (often meaning no sales made yet).

비가 와서 아직 개시도 못 했어요.

Colloquial/Business

"개시를 끊다"

— To make the very first start/sale.

친구가 내 가게의 첫 개시를 끊어 주었다.

Colloquial/Business

"공격 개시 신호"

— A signal that triggers a major action.

그의 발언은 개혁의 공격 개시 신호였다.

Metaphorical

"새 장을 개시하다"

— To start a new chapter (metaphorical).

우리는 역사의 새 장을 개시했다.

Literary

"판을 개시하다"

— To start a game or a scene.

드디어 큰 판을 개시할 때가 왔다.

Colloquial

"포문을 개시하다"

— To open fire (start a debate or attack).

야당이 정부 비판의 포문을 개시했다.

Journalistic

"장사를 개시하다"

— To set up shop for the day.

새벽부터 장사를 개시하는 사람들.

General

"효력을 개시하다"

— To become legally binding.

이 계약은 서명 즉시 효력을 개시한다.

Legal

"말문을 개시하다"

— To start speaking (break the ice).

그가 먼저 어렵게 말문을 개시했다.

Literary

Easily Confused

개시하다 vs 시작하다

Both mean 'to start'.

'시작하다' is general; '개시하다' is formal, official, or commercial.

숙제를 시작했다 (O), 숙제를 개시했다 (X - too formal).

개시하다 vs 착수하다

Both mean 'to start'.

'개시하다' is the announcement/point of starting; '착수하다' is the physical beginning of work.

공사를 개시했다 (Announcement), 공사에 착수했다 (Workers arrived).

개시하다 vs 개막하다

Both mean 'to start'.

'개막하다' is specifically for ceremonies, festivals, or seasons with a metaphorical 'curtain'.

영화제가 개막했다.

개시하다 vs 개업하다

Both relate to business.

'개업하다' is founding a business; '개시하다' is starting the day's business or a sale.

작년에 개업했고, 매일 9시에 개시한다.

개시하다 vs 발족하다

Both mean 'to start'.

'발족하다' is specifically for forming a group, committee, or organization.

조사 위원회가 발족했다.

Sentence Patterns

N(시간)에 N을/를 개시하다

9시에 업무를 개시합니다.

N부터 N이/가 개시되다

오늘부터 세일이 개시됩니다.

N을/를 개시하기로 결정하다

수사를 개시하기로 결정했다.

N의 개시와 동시에

장 개시와 동시에 주가가 하락했다.

N을/를 개시할 예정이다

공사를 개시할 예정입니다.

N 개시 전/후

판매 개시 전부터 줄을 섰다.

N에 대한 수사를 개시하다

사건에 대한 수사를 개시했다.

N의 효력이 개시되다

조약의 효력이 개시되었다.

Word Family

Nouns

개시 (Commencement/Opening)

재개시 (Re-commencement)

개시일 (Start date)

개시 시간 (Start time)

Verbs

개시되다 (To be commenced)

개시시키다 (To cause to start)

시작 (Start)

착수 (Embarking)

개업 (Opening a business)

발족 (Launching)

개막 (Opening an event)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in business and news; rare in casual daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '개시하다' for daily habits. → 시작하다
You don't 'commence' brushing your teeth; you 'start' it.
Confusing '개시' with '게시'. → 게시판에 공고를 게시하다
Use '게시' for posting/displaying and '개시' for starting.
Using '개시' for founding a company. → 창업하다 / 설립하다
'개시' is for starting operations/sales, not the initial legal founding.
Incorrect particle usage: '수사에 개시하다'. → 수사를 개시하다
It is a transitive verb that takes the object particle '-을/를'.
Using '개시' for starting a car. → 시동을 걸다
'개시' is for processes and services, not mechanical engines.

Tips

Business Writing

Use '개시하다' in business proposals to show that a project is a formal commitment.

Market Manners

If you are the first customer in a traditional market, try to buy something small to help the vendor '개시' their day with good luck.

Passive Voice

Use '개시되다' when the person starting the action isn't important, like in '서비스가 개시되었다'.

Ae vs E

Remember: 'ㅐ' (ae) looks like an open gate for '개시' (start/open).

Register

When in doubt, use '시작하다'. Only use '개시하다' if you want to sound 100% professional.

Public Transit

Listen for '운행 개시' on new subway lines to know when they are open for passengers.

Confidence

Using '개시하겠습니다' at the start of a presentation makes you sound like a leader.

News Scan

When reading news, '개시' usually appears in the first paragraph of a report about government action.

Hanja Power

Knowing '시' (始) means start will help you learn other words like '시작', '시발', and '시초'.

Comparison

Compare '개시' (start) with '종료' (end) to see how formal systems are framed in Korean.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gae' as 'Gate' and 'Si' as 'Start'. You are opening the 'Gate' to 'Start' the business.

Visual Association

Imagine a shopkeeper ceremoniously flipping a 'Closed' sign to 'Open' (개) and then the clock hitting 9:00 (시).

Word Web

Business Sale Investigation Start Open Official Formal Commence

Challenge

Try to find three '개시' signs in a Korean shopping mall or on a Korean news website today.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters '開始'. '開' (개) means to open, unfold, or reveal. '始' (시) means to start, begin, or the origin.

Original meaning: To open and begin. Historically used for the opening of markets or the start of official duties.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived vocabulary).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it casually with friends as it may sound sarcastic or overly robotic.

English speakers often just use 'start' or 'open,' but in Korea, the distinction between casual starting and formal/commercial starting is much stronger.

News headlines: '검찰, 대규모 수사 개시' (Prosecution initiates large-scale investigation). Historical dramas: '공격 개시!' (Commence attack!) Economic reports: '장 개시와 함께 환율 급등' (Exchange rate soared as the market opened).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

세일 개시
첫 개시
판매 개시
개시 가격

Office/Work

업무 개시
프로젝트 개시
회의 개시
업무 개시 시간

Legal/Police

수사 개시
심리 개시
효력 개시
조사 개시

Public Service

운행 개시
서비스 개시
접수 개시
이용 개시

Stock Market

장 개시
거래 개시
개시가
개시 직후

Conversation Starters

"오늘 가게 개시는 잘 하셨어요? (Did you have a good first sale today?)"

"그 프로젝트는 언제 개시될 예정인가요? (When is that project scheduled to commence?)"

"새로운 서비스 개시 소식 들으셨어요? (Did you hear the news about the new service launch?)"

"세일 개시 시간에 맞춰서 가실 거예요? (Are you going to go in time for the sale start?)"

"수사가 언제 개시되었는지 아세요? (Do you know when the investigation was initiated?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 새롭게 개시한 일은 무엇인가? (What is something new I initiated today?)

내가 사업을 개시한다면 어떤 분야를 선택할 것인가? (If I were to start a business, what field would I choose?)

공식적인 '개시'와 일상적인 '시작'의 차이를 느낀 경험은? (An experience where you felt the difference between official 'commencement' and daily 'start'?)

새로운 프로젝트를 개시하기 전에 꼭 해야 할 준비는? (What preparations must be made before initiating a new project?)

대한민국에서 가장 성공적으로 개시된 서비스는 무엇이라고 생각하는가? (What service do you think was most successfully launched in Korea?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for starting a car or engine, you use '시동을 걸다' or '시동하다'.

No, that would sound too formal. Use '시작하다' for homework or personal tasks.

'개시' (ㅐ) means starting/commencing. '게시' (ㅔ) means posting a notice or message.

It is a cultural belief that the first sale of the day determines the luck and sales volume for the rest of the day.

Yes, it is very common in news headlines when the subject is an event like an investigation or a sale.

Only in very formal or literary contexts. Usually, '말을 걸다' or '대화를 시작하다' is used.

Yes, if you are talking about initiating a project or a professional task, it sounds very competent.

It means the opening of the stock market for the day's trading.

You can say '세일이 개시되었습니다'.

Yes, for the official commencement of a match, though '시작하다' or '경기에 들어가다' is also common.