to start ~ing (suddenly)

Beginner

15-20 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses sudden beginning of an action.

[Verb ます-stem] + 出す

突然、雨が降り出しました。

Totsuzen, ame ga furidashimashita.

Suddenly, it started to rain.

赤ちゃんが泣き出した。

Akachan ga nakidashita.

The baby started crying.

Emphasizes sudden or spontaneous start.

～始める

to begin to ~, to start ~ing

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Often with weather, emotions, natural events.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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