Starting something with

Grammar: Time and Sequence

Add () to a verb stem for an abrupt or spontaneous beginning. Depending on the verb, English may use “start to ~” or “burst out ~ing”.

Usage Notes

()す marks a sudden or spontaneous beginning for actions outside the subject’s control.

Use 〜(はじ)める for a neutral “begin to”. 〜()す says that the action starts suddenly.

Related Grammar

  • 〜(始:はじ)める
    • Used for the start of other actions.
  • Managing to complete an action with 〜終える
    • Used when effort is required to complete an actions.
  • Completing an action with 〜終わる
    • Used when effort is not required to complete an actions.

Examples

Figuring out the password with 見つけ出す

Learn the meaning and usage of the grammar 〜出す in Japanese, with examples from manga.
ああっ女神さまっ » Volume 1 » Page 85

Kei’ichi must enter the university system to add a record showing Belldandy is enrolled. He only has a brief window of opportunity before Professor Ozawa logs into the system and discovers she isn’t enrolled. The only thing standing in Kei’ichi’s way is the university’s enrollment records password protection.

田宮(たみや):
(はや)く パスワードを()つけ()さんと」
“If you don't hurry and figure out that password...”

Suddenly remembering with 思い出す

Learn the meaning and usage of the grammar 〜出す in Japanese, with examples from manga.
からかい上手の高木さん » Volume 1 » Page 114

Takagi and Nishikata share an umbrella to walk home after school. Takagi says she completely forgot the term for two people sharing an umbrella. Nishika, with embarrassment, mutters that it’s あいあいがさ. When Takagi asks him to repeat it louder, he keeps quiet in his embarrassment.

高木(たかぎ):
「あ! (おも)()した相合(あいあ)(がさ)だ。」
“Ah, I just remembered, it's (相合:あいあ)い(傘:がさ).”
西片(にしかた):
絶対(ぜったい)(わす)れてなかったろ!」
“You totally didn't forget it!”