出す

Burst into

Level 2Sounds Like dasu (dasu)

The auxiliary verb suffix 〜出す (だす) indicates the sudden or spontaneous beginning of an action. It is often translated as 'burst into,' 'break out in,' or 'suddenly start to.'

How It Works

The pattern 〜出す is attached to the ます-stem of a verb. It functions as a compound verb and conjugates as a Group 1 (Godan) verb.

Key Characteristics:

  • Suddenness: It implies the action started without warning.
  • Spontaneity: It often describes things the subject cannot easily control, such as weather or emotions.
  • Outward Emergence: It carries a nuance of something 'coming out' or appearing from within.

Comparison with 〜始める:
While both mean 'to start,' 〜始める is neutral and can be used for planned or gradual actions (e.g., 'I started studying at 8:00'). In contrast, 〜出す cannot be used for planned intentions. You would not say 'I will suddenly start a diet tomorrow' using 〜出す.

Examples (4)

  1. 赤ちゃんが急に泣き出した。

    The baby suddenly burst into tears.

    Word by Word: Baby (subject) suddenly cry-started.

    泣く（なき） + 出す. This describes a sudden, spontaneous emotional outburst typical of this pattern.

  2. さっきまで晴れていたのに、雨が降り出した。

    It was sunny until a moment ago, but it started raining (suddenly).

    Word by Word: Until a while ago was sunny although, rain fall-started.

    降る（ふり） + 出す. Used here for a sudden change in weather, which is a non-volitional action.

  3. 彼は私の顔を見ると、急に笑い出した。

    As soon as he saw my face, he burst out laughing.

    Word by Word: He (topic) my face see when, suddenly laugh-started.

    笑う（わらい） + 出す. This emphasizes the suddenness of the reaction upon seeing the speaker.

  4. 急にバスが動き出したので、びっくりした。

    The bus suddenly started moving, so I was surprised.

    Word by Word: Suddenly bus (subject) move-started because, was surprised.

    動く（うごき） + 出す. Describes the sudden mechanical movement of the bus.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 〜出す for planned or intentional future actions.

    明日からダイエットをし出す。
    明日からダイエットを始める。

    〜出す implies spontaneity. For a planned action like starting a diet, use 〜始める instead.

  • Using 〜出す in a volitional 'let's' invitation.

    さあ、食べ出そう！
    さあ、食べ始めよう！

    Because 〜出す describes an unexpected or spontaneous start, it sounds unnatural to 'plan' to suddenly start something together. Use 〜よう with 〜始める for invitations.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

出すLevel 2Burst into

Learn This First

To use '出す' (meaning to burst into or start suddenly), you must know how to conjugate verbs into their stem form (the 'ます form' without 'ます'). It is also helpful to understand other aspectual auxiliary verbs like '始める' to distinguish between a general start and a sudden or outward burst of action.

Words in This Pattern