出す means start doing; suddenly begin. It is a JLPT N4 Japanese grammar pattern used to show that an action starts suddenly or something moves outward.
This grammar point often appears in conversation, written explanations, formal notices, and JLPT-style reading questions. If you want to show that an action starts suddenly or something moves outward, 出す is a useful pattern to learn after the N5 basics.
What does 出す mean?
Use 出す when you want to show that an action starts suddenly or something moves outward.
Natural translations include:
- to start
- to begin
- out
The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on what the grammar point does in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural.
How to form 出す
Verb masu-stem + 出す
Examples of the pattern:
- 雨が降り出す
- 走り出す
- 思い出す
Pay attention to the word form before the pattern. Many JLPT N4 mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form.
When is 出す used?
Use 出す in situations like:
- explaining a condition, reason, decision, or time relationship
- making a sentence more specific than a basic N5 pattern
- understanding natural Japanese in conversation or reading
Tone and register:
- neutral unless the grammar itself is marked as casual, humble, honorific, or formal
- Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and JLPT N4 reading questions
出す example sentences
- 急に雨が降り出しました。 — It suddenly started to rain.
- 子どもが走り出しました。 — The child started running.
- 彼女は泣き出しました。 — She burst into tears.
- 古い写真を見て、思い出しました。 — Looking at old photos, I remembered.
- 先生は本を取り出しました。 — The teacher took out a book.
Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: condition, timing, limitation, possibility, decision, politeness, or emphasis.
Nuance of 出す
The key nuance is often feels sudden or outward-moving.
This matters because 出す may look simple in English, but the Japanese form tells you whether the speaker is describing a time, a condition, a decision, a possibility, or a social relationship.
For example:
- In context, 出す helps make the sentence more precise than a direct English translation.
- Compared with 始める, it has a different focus even when both patterns appear in similar sentences.
出す vs 始める
Both {jp} and {similar} can appear in related sentences, but they are different.
出す:
- is the target JLPT N4 pattern in this lesson
- carries the specific nuance explained above
始める:
- is useful for comparison because learners often mix it up
- may use a different form, tone, or sentence focus
Quick contrast examples:
- Target pattern: 急に雨が降り出しました。 — It suddenly started to rain.
- Related pattern with 始める: compare the form and ask whether the sentence is about timing, condition, ability, decision, or politeness.
If you are unsure which one to use, identify the main job of the sentence before translating it into English.
Common mistakes with 出す
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using it with the wrong verb, noun, or adjective form
- Confusing it with 始める because the English translation can look similar
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence context
A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel.
Is 出す on the JLPT?
Yes. 出す is commonly taught as JLPT N4 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.
Practice questions for 出す
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using the basic pattern.
- Change the sentence into polite or casual style if possible.
- Compare it with the related pattern from the comparison section.
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic.
Learn 出す with Kanjiru
If you want to review 出す together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N4 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
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