출발 (chul-bal, chulbal) · 정차 (jeong-cha, jeongcha)
출발 means starting to move, while 정차 means temporarily stopping during movement; choosing the right word depends on the situation.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Starting to move or begin a journey from a place
When to use
Trip start, Bus departure, Train departure, Airplane takeoff
The nuance
출발 indicates the start of movement, used when a person or vehicle begins moving from a stationary state. It applies only when beginning to move forward.
A vehicle temporarily stopping, mainly used in traffic contexts
When to use
Bus stop, Taxi stop, Traffic light stop, Passenger boarding
The nuance
정차 is used when a vehicle temporarily stops, unlike 출발 which is starting to move. It fits situations like traffic lights, passenger boarding, or traffic control.
버스가 정시에 출발했다.
beo-seu-ga jeong-si-e chul-bal-haess-da., beo seu ga jeong si e chul bal haess da.
The bus is starting to move on time, so 출발 is correct.
버스가 정차했다가 다시 출발했다.
beo-seu-ga jeong-cha-haess-da-ga da-si chul-bal-haess-da., beo seu ga jeong cha haess da ga da si chul bal haess da.
The bus stopped briefly and then started moving again, so both 정차 and 출발 are appropriate.
기차가 정차했다.
gi-cha-ga jeong-cha-haess-da., gi cha ga jeong cha haess da.
If the train is starting to move, 출발 should be used. 정차 is only for stopping during movement.
택시가 출발했다가 신호등에서 정차했다.
taek-si-ga chul-bal-haess-da-ga sin-ho-deung-e-seo jeong-cha-haess-da., taek si ga chul bal haess da ga sin ho deung e seo jeong cha haess da.
Taxi started moving (출발) and stopped at the traffic light (정차), so this is correct.
비행기가 정차했다.
bi-haeng-gi-ga jeong-cha-haess-da., bi haeng gi ga jeong cha haess da.
For airplanes, 출발 is used for takeoff; 정차 applies only to vehicles.
버스가 정차했다.
beo-seu-ga jeong-cha-haess-da., beo seu ga jeong cha haess da.
정차 is appropriate when a bus stops briefly.
버스가 출발했다가 정차했다가 다시 출발했다.
beo-seu-ga chul-bal-haess-da-ga jeong-cha-haess-da-ga da-si chul-bal-haess-da., beo seu ga chul bal haess da ga jeong cha haess da ga da si chul bal haess da.
It is natural for 출발 and 정차 to alternate in this context.
사람이 정차했다.
sa-ram-i jeong-cha-haess-da., sa ram i jeong cha haess da.
정차 is only for vehicles; for people use 출발 or 멈춤.
Which word to use when a bus starts moving?
Which word to use when a taxi stops briefly at a traffic light?
Correct expression when a train starts moving from the station?
Appropriate word when an airplane takes off?
