ลงมือ

Explanation

ลงมือ is formed from ลง (“to lower”) and มือ (“hand”). Its literal structure evokes putting one’s hands to something, which helps explain its sense of beginning concrete action. A common pattern is ลงมือ followed by another verb: ลงมือทำ means “start actually doing,” ลงมือเขียน means “start writing,” and ลงมือแก้ไข means “begin making corrections.” When the intended action is clear from context, ลงมือ can also stand alone. Depending on the context, it may emphasize putting a plan into practice or doing something personally, rather than merely marking the beginning of an activity. In crime-related contexts, ลงมือ used without an explicit action can mean to carry out the crime or be the person who actually did it. At a meal, ลงมือกิน means to start eating. These are contextual uses of the same core idea: beginning concrete action.

Usage

It is common when someone begins actual work after preparing—for example, at work, while studying, creating something, or making repairs. It also fits situations where people are urged to stop discussing or thinking and take action. In news reports and crime stories, it can identify the person who actually carried out an offense rather than someone who only planned it.

Caution

ลงมือ is used for deliberate action by a person. It is not the usual choice for something that simply begins, such as rain or a movie; use เริ่ม in those cases. Also, in a crime-related context, ลงมือ by itself may be understood as “carry out the offense,” so name the action when the context could otherwise be ambiguous.

1 start doing something synonyms

• เริ่ม

  rə̂əm start

  เริ่ม is the general word for “start” or “begin” and can be used for people’s actions as well as events such as rain, meetings, or movies. ลงมือ specifically emphasizes a person taking concrete action.

• เริ่มทำ

  เริ่มทำ neutrally means “start doing.” ลงมือ more strongly suggests moving from planning or preparation into actual work or execution.