Korean Dictionary
How to say "Get the Ball Rolling" in Korean
“Get the Ball Rolling” in Korean is 일을 시작하다 (pronounced "Ireul Sijakhada").
일을 시작하다
Ireul Sijakhada
Usage & Context
Getting the ball rolling means starting or initiating a project or activity. In Korean business and social contexts, being the one who initiates action is respected.
Example Sentence
누군가 먼저 일을 시작해야 하지 않을까요?
Should not someone get the ball rolling first?
How to use 일을 시작하다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Get the Ball Rolling” is 일을 시작하다, romanized as Ireul Sijakhada.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 일을 시작하다.
Pronunciation Guide
For '일 (il)', it sounds like 'eel' in 'feel'. '을 (eul)' is a short 'uh' sound like in 'but', followed by an 'l'. For '시작하다 (si-jak-ha-da)', 'si' is like 'see', 'jak' like 'jock', 'ha' like 'hah', and 'da' like 'dah'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
일을 시작합니다
Ireul Sijakhamnida
This is the formal polite form, used in formal announcements or when addressing superiors.
Casual (반말)
일을 시작해
Ireul Sijakhae
This is the casual form, used with close friends or younger people.
More Example Sentences
A chairperson initiating a formal meeting.
이제 회의를 시작합시다.
Let's start the meeting now.
Discussing preparations for a new business venture.
새로운 프로젝트를 시작하기 전에 준비할 게 많아요.
There's a lot to prepare before starting a new project.
A friend asking about personal health plans.
언제부터 운동을 시작할 거예요?
When are you going to start exercising?
Cultural Context
In Korean culture, especially in group settings like work or school, there's often a moment where someone needs to take the initiative to 'get the ball rolling.' Being the one to initiate (선두에 서다, seondu-e seoda - to stand at the front) is generally seen positively, though it's also common for people to wait for a leader or elder to start. The phrase itself is quite direct and less idiomatic than its English counterpart.
Editorial note
We review entries like 일을 시작하다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
새로운 일을 시작하다
To start a new job/project.
공부를 시작하다
To start studying.
사업을 시작하다
To start a business.
Related Expressions
착수하다
Chaksuhada
To embark on, to commence
일을 끝내다
Ireul Kkeunnaeda
To finish work
시작점
Sijakjeom
Starting point
개시하다
Gaejihada
To commence, to open (often for events/business)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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