出す

dasu

JLPT N4 #28 of 131 in N4

To suddenly begin; to suddenly appear

Attach 出す to the ます-stem of a verb to express that an action or state suddenly begins or appears.

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How to form it

Attach 出す to the ます-stem (the form before ます) of a verb. For example, 泣く → 泣き出す.

What it means

This pattern is used when something that was not happening before suddenly starts, often unexpectedly. It can describe the onset of an action (like bursting into tears) or the sudden appearance of a phenomenon (like rain starting to fall). The ます-stem of the main verb is the base.

Example sentences

子供が急に泣き出した。

Kodomo ga kyū ni nakidashita.

The child suddenly started crying.

雨が降り出したから、傘をさした。

Ame ga furidashita kara, kasa o sashita.

It started raining, so I opened my umbrella.

会議中に彼は笑い出した。

Kaigi-chū ni kare wa waraidashita.

He burst out laughing during the meeting.

Don’t confuse it with

始める (hajimeru)

始める also attaches to the ます-stem and means 'to begin doing something', but it implies a deliberate start or a planned action. 出す adds a sense of suddenness or spontaneity. For example, 走り始める means 'to begin running' (perhaps after a signal), while 走り出す means 'to start running suddenly' (e.g., when a dog chases you).

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話

When to use it

Neutral and commonly used in both speaking and writing; no particular formality.

Next in the N4 path

29

の中でin, among

30

そうだlooks like; appears like

31

そうだI heard that; it is said that

32

てしまう / ちゃうto do something by accident, to finish

See the whole Grammar Path →

Questions

What does 出す mean?

To suddenly begin; to suddenly appear. Attach 出す to the ます-stem of a verb to express that an action or state suddenly begins or appears.

How do you form 出す?

Attach 出す to the ます-stem (the form before ます) of a verb. For example, 泣く → 泣き出す.

Example of 出す in a sentence

子供が急に泣き出した。 — The child suddenly started crying.

始める (hajimeru) — what is the difference?

始める also attaches to the ます-stem and means 'to begin doing something', but it implies a deliberate start or a planned action. 出す adds a sense of suddenness or spontaneity. For example, 走り始める means 'to begin running' (perhaps after a signal), while 走り出す means 'to start running suddenly' (e.g., when a dog chases you).

What JLPT level is 出す?

JLPT N4 (upper beginner), number 28 of 131 in Nihoner's learning order for N4.