着手する

• Reading: ちゃくしゅする
• Romaji: chakushu suru
• Kanji breakdown: 着 (chaku/ki) — arrive, wear, attach; 手 (shu/te) — hand
• Pronunciation: /t͡ɕa.kɯ.ɕɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To start; to commence; to embark on. To begin working on a task, project, or initiative.

A suru-verb used for formally beginning a substantial piece of work. More deliberate and weighty than 始める (hajimeru, to begin) — implies careful preparation followed by action. Often used with に to indicate what is being started: 問題の解決に着手する. Common in business, academic, and project management contexts.

Examples

1. 新しいプロジェクトにようやく着手した。 We finally got started on the new project.
2. 問題の解決に早急に着手する必要がある。 We need to get started on solving the problem right away.
3. 計画段階は終わり、いよいよ建設に着手することになった。 The planning phase is over, and we're finally set to break ground on construction.

Usage Guide

Context: business, projects, planning

Tone: purposeful

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 着 (chaku, arrive/attach) + 手 (shu, hand). Literally 'hand arrives' — putting one's hand to the work.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal