How to say "kickoff" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounThe direct equivalent of 'kickoff': the kick that starts play in sports such as soccer, and, as in English, the launch of a project or event. Heard in sports commentary and talk of project launches.
- 試合開始しあいかいしnounCovers the start of a match as an event or point in time rather than the kick itself; typical of schedules and announcements, and seldom the word for the actual kickoff in soccer.
「キックオフ」 is the direct equivalent for the kickoff itself, literal or figurative; 試合開始 means the start of a match as an event or time and is the less common choice.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
