着手

• Reading: ちゃくしゅ
• Romaji: chakushu
• Kanji breakdown: 着 (chaku) — to arrive, attach | 手 (shu) — hand
• Pronunciation: /tɕa.kɯ.ɕɯ/

Meaning

Start; commencement; undertaking. The act of beginning work on something concrete.

A noun and suru verb (着手する) emphasising the moment of actually starting an action — the transition from planning to execution. More formal and deliberate than simply 始める (to begin), it implies that preparation is complete and the work itself is now underway. Commonly used in project management, construction, and legal or academic contexts.

Examples

1. 計画を十分に練った上で、本格的な建設工事に着手した。 After thoroughly developing the plan, full-scale construction work commenced.
2. まず優先度の高い課題から着手するのが、効率的なプロジェクト運営の鉄則だ。 Starting with the highest-priority tasks first is the golden rule of efficient project management.
3. 新規プロジェクトへの着手を承認してもらうため、詳細な提案書を作成した。 A detailed proposal was prepared in order to gain approval to commence work on the new project.

Usage Guide

Context: project management, construction, legal, business

Tone: purposeful

Origin & History

Compound of 着 (chaku) meaning 'to arrive at, to attach, to put on' and 手 (shu) meaning 'hand'. The image is of literally putting one's hand to the task — a concrete, physical beginning of work.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Working professionals