出発

• Reading: しゅっぱつ
• Romaji: shuppatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 出 (shutsu/de) — go out, exit; 発 (hatsu/ta) — depart, emit, start
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯp.pa.tsɯ/

Meaning

Departure; leaving; setting off. The act of starting a journey.

Functions as a noun or する verb (出発する). Used for all forms of departure — flights, trains, road trips, and journeys in general. Common phrases include 出発時間 (departure time) and 出発ロビー (departure lobby). The opposite is 到着 (arrival).

Examples

1. 飛行機は午前九時に出発します。 The plane departs at nine in the morning.
2. 出発の時間まであと三十分あります。 There are still thirty minutes until departure time.
3. 早めに出発した方がいいですよ。 You should leave early.

Usage Guide

Context: airports, train stations, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 出 (go out, exit) and 発 (depart, emit). Together they express the idea of going out and setting forth on a journey.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal