Translation and Meaning of: 言い出す - iidasu

If you’ve ever tried to break the ice in Japanese or suggest something in a conversation, you’ve probably come across the verb 言い出す (いいだす). This versatile word carries important nuances in everyday Japanese, ranging from the simple act of starting to speak to casually proposing ideas. In this article, you will discover the etymology behind this term, how it is used in Japan today, and even tips for memorizing it effortlessly. And if you use Anki or another spaced repetition method, get ready to include practical examples in your deck!

Etymology and Origin of 言い出す

The verb 言い出す is formed by the combination of two kanji: 言 (いう - say) and 出す (だす - take out, start). Together, they create the idea of "starting to speak" or "bringing something to light." It’s no wonder that this construction appears in contexts where someone breaks the silence or introduces a new topic. Interestingly, the 出す here does not have a physical sense of "taking out" something, but rather of initiating a verbal action — one of those subtleties that only Japanese can master.

Unlike words like 話す (to speak) or 伝える (to communicate), 言い出す carries a weight of initiative. Imagine the scene: you are in an izakaya with Japanese friends, and no one can decide what dish to order, until someone says "じゃ、焼き鳥を言い出そうか" (Well, shall we suggest yakitori?). This is the power of this verb: it not only describes speech but also the moment it arises to move the situation.

Lies in Japanese Everyday Life

In daily life, Japanese people use 言い出す in situations ranging from casual conversations to work meetings. A boss might say "新しいプロジェクトを言い出したのは誰ですか？" (Who suggested this new project?), while teenagers use the term to share secrets: "彼氏のことを初めて言い出した" (She talked about her boyfriend for the first time). The flexibility is such that you can even find it in manga and dramas during scenes of confessions or important revelations.

A common mistake among students is to think that 言い出す is only used for long speeches. In fact, it appears even in short and objective sentences. For example, "彼は突然帰ると言い出した" (Suddenly, he said he was leaving) shows how a simple action can carry surprise. Pay attention to these details when watching videos or reading authentic texts — they reveal a lot about the mentality behind the language.

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

To fix 言い出す in your mind, an infallible technique is to associate it with real situations. that 出す here acts as a verbal "start button." When you hear someone beginning a story with "実は…" (actually…), think: "Ah, 言い出した!" (Ah, she started to talk!). Another tip is to create flashcards with sound examples — the pronunciation "ii-dasu" has an almost musical rhythm that helps internalize it.

Did you know there is even a pun with this word? In some informal contexts, young people shorten it to "いいだし" as slang. And if you search on Google, you'll notice that many searches combine 言い出す with "使い方" (how to use) and "例文" (example sentences). This reveals how much the Japanese themselves recognize the layers of meaning behind this seemingly simple verb. How about practicing today by saying "言い出してみよう" (Let's try to say it)?