～出す・だす (begin/emerge)

• Reading: だす
• Romaji: dasu
• Formation: Verb ます-stem + 出す
• Kanji breakdown: 出 (しゅつ/だ.す) — exit, go out, emerge

Meaning

A compound verb suffix attached to the verb stem that expresses the sudden beginning or emergence of an action or state that was previously latent. It emphasizes the moment something starts, often unexpectedly or spontaneously.

だす as a compound verb suffix has two main senses. The first and most common as a grammar pattern is the inchoative meaning: the sudden or spontaneous onset of an action, such as rain starting to fall or a child bursting into tears. This sense emphasizes abruptness, unlike 始める which implies a more deliberate start. The second sense retains the literal meaning of 'to take out' or 'to put forth,' as in producing or emitting something. Learners often confuse だす with 始める; だす implies a sudden, often uncontrollable beginning, while 始める suggests a more intentional start. だす cannot be used with volitional actions that begin gradually.

Examples

1. 急に雨が降り出した。 It suddenly started raining.
2. 赤ちゃんが泣き出して困った。 The baby started crying and I didn't know what to do.
3. 彼は突然走り出した。 He suddenly broke into a run.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 子供たちが急に笑い出した。
• 空が暗くなって雪が降り出した。
• 犬が吠え出して近所迷惑になった。

Don't Say

• 毎朝六時に走り出す。(Using だす for a habitual action — だす implies sudden onset, not routine) → 毎朝六時に走り始める。
• 来週から日本語を勉強し出す。(Using だす for a deliberate, planned start — use 始める instead) → 来週から日本語を勉強し始める。

Origin & History

だす literally means 'to put out' or 'to take out' (出す). When compounded with verb stems, it extends metaphorically to mean the outward emergence or outburst of an action that was previously contained.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal