Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Move" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "move", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
動かす
うごかす (ugokasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
引っ越しする
ひっこしする (hikkoshi suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "move" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 動かす and 引っ越しする.
In Japanese, 動かす (うごかす (ugokasu)) is typically associated with "to move, to operate (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To cause something to move or to operate a machine. It requires a subject performing the action on an object..
On the other hand, 引っ越しする (ひっこしする (hikkoshi suru)) maps to "to move (house/residence)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when changing residences. Often followed by 'に' for the destination or 'から' for the origin. The 'する' makes it a verb.. A literal translation of "move" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "動かす"
この機械は指で簡単に動かせます。
You can easily operate this machine with your finger.
Bilingual Context for "引っ越しする"
来月、新しいアパートに引っ越しします。
I will move to a new apartment next month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この機械は指で簡単に動かせます。" (Meaning: "You can easily operate this machine with your finger.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "動かす" fits here because it means "to move, to operate (transitive)" in the context of: "You can easily operate this machine with your finger.". "引っ越しする" represents "to move (house/residence)".