取り掛かる

• Reading: とりかかる
• Romaji: torikakaru
• Kanji breakdown: 取 (to/shu) — to take; 掛 (ka/kai) — to hang, engage
• Pronunciation: /to.ɾi.ka.ka.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To begin doing something; to start; to set about; to get down to work on a task.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb. Emphasizes the moment of actually starting work, not just planning. Often used with に to mark the task being started. More action-oriented than 始める, implying hands-on engagement.

Examples

1. 朝一番で新しいプロジェクトに取り掛かった。 I got started on the new project first thing in the morning.
2. そろそろ宿題に取り掛からないと間に合わない。 I need to start on my homework soon or I won't finish in time.
3. 準備が整ったので、すぐに作業に取り掛かる。 Now that preparations are complete, I'll get right to work.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, study, daily life

Tone: proactive

Origin & History

Compound verb from 取り (taking) and 掛かる (to hang on/engage with). The image is of taking hold of a task and engaging with it directly.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal